Stress
Stress has been proven to be the root of over 75% of the common conditions and illnesses that around today. Reflexology and massage (various methods) are proven natural methods of treating and preventing stress and tension, thus aiding in recovery and even treatment of many of today’s conditions and illnesses.
There are two, separate but closely linked, elements to stress - the physical and the psychological (internalised stress).
At the psychological level stress is most simply described as a feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope. This leads to frustration, despondency and a sense of poor self-esteem. This can result in poor work performance and problems with relationships both at work and at home. At the physical level stress pushes your body to run on adrenaline in a state of continuous fight or flight. This is a normal physical response to danger, which prepares the body to use muscular strength to run or fight. It was not designed to be anything other than a short term response, kept going for days/weeks/months it causes considerable damage and results in many of the physical symptoms of stress.
What causes stress?
Many things (or the anticipation of them) can lead to stress:
•
pressure to perform at work, at school or in sports•
threats of physical violence•
money worries•
arguments•
family conflicts•
divorce•
bereavement•
unemployment•
moving house•
alcohol or drug abuse.Symptoms of stress
Reactions to stress are different for all people however below is a list of common symptoms:
•
periods of irritability or anger•
apathy or depression•
constant anxiety•
irrational behaviour•
loss of appetite•
comfort eating•
lack of concentration•
loss of sex-drive•
increased smoking, drinking or recreational drug-taking.There can also be physical effects, which may include the following:
•
excessive tiredness•
skin problems•
aches and pains resulting from tense muscles, including necktie, backacheand tension headaches
•
increased pain from arthritis and other conditions•
heart palpitations•
hyperventilation•
for women, missed periods.There can also be serious health implications from long term stress.