We can show you how you can easily put your mind and body in a state of coherence, a state of rest

The symptoms of stress are recognizable and universal. Even though on a conscious level we perceive stress as some sort of psychological or emotional pressure from outside sources, a specific physical process takes place in the body that stems from what remains of our primitive survival skills after thousands of years of evolution as a species. 

When the nervous system senses stress, a part of the brain called the hypothalamus triggers the production and release of stress hormones, the most powerful of which are cortisol and adrenaline, to stimulate the fight-or-flight response in the body. This process was very useful when our caveman ancestors had to flee that saber-toothed tiger, but its application is far less practical today. Although our physical survival is rarely in question on a day-to-day basis in our modern lives, as it was for primitive humans, the biochemical process that takes place in the body remains largely the same. 

Adrenaline elevates the heart rate, and cortisol releases stored glucose into the bloodstream to give the body a boost of energy to provide the speed and strength to escape danger. This is the process that is responsible when we hear stories of people suddenly developing superhuman strength in moments of crisis. As part of its self-regulatory functions, the body also has mechanisms that will return hormone levels back to normal once the dangerous situation has dissipated. This can happen relatively quickly after brief episodes of minor or acute stress. The problem, however, is that the body spends too much time in the stress-response chemical state and cannot sufficiently or efficiently regulate hormone levels and bring them back to normal, creating a state of chronic stress. 

When the hypothalamus is triggered intensely or consistently, the body does not have an opportunity to level out the hormones and reverse the fight-or-flight response. The human body is not designed to function in such a state, and stress will manifest as pain, inflammation, and disease. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on the body and mind, making it susceptible to physical disease and

psychological issues.

Acute Versus Chronic Stress

Acute stress can be described as the natural and immediate response to a perceived demand. It is typically an immediate and brief experience in reaction to a sudden, unexpected change to environment or circumstances. The short-term stressful experience of a traffic jam that makes you late for work or the crunch to meet an impending deadline is one that the body and brain can perceive intensely, but can quickly shake off when the situation is over. The process is normal and not necessarily a bad thing because it stimulates action to execute a plan or solve the problem. 

The stress response is not always in reaction to something negative either; it can also occur during an exciting and positive event like your wedding day or winning an athletic event. There are some specific applications for massage therapy in an acutely stressful situation, which will be discussed in greater detail in Section 3. For the purposes of this course, our focus will be more on the applications of massage therapy for chronic stress, as it is the more rampant and destructive force plaguing our society.

Chronic stress can be described as a disease process unto itself, from both a psychological and physiological standpoint, and it is often a precursor or trigger in the disease process of serious medical conditions. Chronic stress builds over time, often from a continuous low-grade stress level that is barely perceptible in comparison to acute stress. It can be subtle but far more pervasive both psychologically and physiologically in the long run than acute stress.

Following is a list of common ailments observed with chronic stress.

Effects of stress on the body

• Insomnia or hypersomnia.

• Headaches/migraines.

• Chronic muscle tension, pain, or inflammation, primarily manifesting as back pain.

• Hypertension and heart disease.

• Digestive disorders.

• Weight gain or weight loss.

• Compromised immune health.

Effects of stress on the mind

• Anxiety.

• Inability to focus or retain information.

• Irritability.

• Depression.

• Poor or unsafe choices, including drug or alcohol abuse.

• Addiction.

Sleep is often the first function of the body to be affected by stress, as the hypothalamus that starts the fight-or-flight response is also responsible for regulating the circadian rhythm or sleep–wake cycle. The importance of the right amount of restorative sleep for physical and mental health cannot be overstated. Insomnia is the more common problem, and without consistent, restorative sleep, the body loses its ability to heal and rebalance.

Deep breathwork is essential for several reasons. It helps to oxygenate the body, promoting better circulation and increased energy levels. Additionally, deep breathing activates the body's relaxation response, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm. It can enhance mental clarity, improve focus, and contribute to better emotional well-being. Incorporating deep breathwork into daily routines is a simple yet powerful practice that supports both physical and mental health.

Euphoric Breathwork can serve as a powerful tool for releasing deep-rooted emotions. Through intentional and focused breathing, individuals may access and process emotions stored in the body. Euphoric meditative breathwork can create a safe space for the expression and release of emotions, helping individuals navigate and release pent-up feelings. It's a holistic approach that integrates the mind and body, providing a cathartic and transformative experience for emotional well-being.