STRESS

How It Affects Our Central Nervous System 

Article By: Christina Bauer 

The Nervous System is a complex network of nerves (neurons) that are interconnected with one another. It is comprised of the Central Nervous System (CNS), which includes the brain and the spinal cord, and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), which is a large network of nerves.
Stress stimulates the CNS and prepares it to meet stressful situations. During this preparation, the body goes through various physiological changes that are initiated to enable the fight or flight response. This is the function of the Autonomic Nervous System, which is comprised of the Sympathetic Nervous System and the Parasympathetic Nervous System. The Sympathetic Nervous System is responsible for stress responses, while the Parasympathetic Nervous System prepares

 the body for rest and relaxation. When an event in our lives causes fear, dread, or terror; the Sympathetic Nervous System senses the danger and increases the heart rate to send an extra supply of blood to different parts of the body. It also signals the Adrenal Glands near the Kidneys to secrete adrenaline, the hormone that provides a boost to muscular energy.The Nervous System is very different from other systems in the body. It not only supervises stress but also controls the body’s reactions afterwards. It reduces the level of hormones in the blood stream and signals the heart to revert back to its normal beat rate. Emotional stress produces similar physical changes by stimulating the Nervous System to respond. Even though we know that adequate and relevant responses to stress are necessary, the state of the body during these conditions is not normal. The body comes into a stressed state almost instantly when it detects any kind of threat, but the body must necessarily revert back to its normal state after a certain period of time. Reverting back to the normal state is not possible when there is constant stress. This can have a dramatic affect on our health over time. Constant stress means that the Sympathetic Nervous System keeps us in a state of alert all the time and does not let the Parasympathetic Nervous System to come into play. This translates into a situation where the body cannot actually rest at all. If the body is not at rest, the body systems that are suspended during the stress response cannot be resumed effectively. 

    Admittedly, it is impossible to avoid stress completely. However we can manage stress through various Relaxation Techniques. Setting aside time for Deep Breathing throughout our day can bring about greater relaxation. Yoga and meditation send signals to the Central Nervous System that help the body to return to its original relaxed state. Managing emotional stress by re-evaluating our perception of life situations can also have a very positive effect of the Nervous System. Positive thinking is an incredibly effective way to reduce stress and may help us to adapt and manage stress as it arises. Massage Therapy is an excellent way to allow the body time to reach a state of deep relaxation. Cranio-Sacral Therapy can effect relaxation at the deepest center of our system, relaxing and balancing our CNS. Stress is going to come and go in our lives. How we choose to respond to it is ours to determine. I work with people holistically. Through a direct focus on becoming aware of the emotional, mental, and physical levels of stress and their sources, we are able to dramatically shift the effects that stress has had in our lives. 

Healthy ways to Relax

 Go for a walk
Spend time in Nature 
Meditate
 Get a Massage

Write in your journal 

Take a long bath

 Light scented candles

Savor a warm cup of tea
Work in your garden
Play with a pet
Sweat out tension with a good workout

Curl up with a good book

 Listen to music
Watch a comedy

For more information contact:

 Christina Bauer
310-753-6642 
info@ChristinaBauer.com
www.ChristinaBauer.com 
860 Via De La Paz
 Pacific Palisades, CA 90402 

*Offering a $50 Discount for first time patients.