Chronic stress often leads to progressively more severe forms of physical, mental, and emotional illness. It can also damage brain structure and connectivity. Stress, whether manifesting as emotions such as anger, fear, or shock or states like depression and anxiety, originated as an instinctual aid to help focus us on survival when confronted by an imminent threat. In the absence of real danger, we were not intended to experience such negative thoughts or emotions. They were not supposed to take away our happiness. So what happened?
Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your mind and body. Take steps to control your stress.
When our cave dwelling ancestors developed to a point where life was something more than an ongoing struggle for survival, they became aware that more was there to see and know. The ego, our perception of self in the context of the world, began to grow. When life became more than a daily fight for food and shelter, there was room for reflection, relaxation, and peace to flow.
Although the human ego sparked the origins of basic self-awareness which carried the seeds of self-acceptance, compassion, and responsible living it also awakened the potential for selfish preoccupation with image, power, and possessions. The higher vibrational use of the ego offers a window to the universe, while its lower vibrational counterpart builds the walls that imprison us. It was intended to be a porthole through which to see that we are part of a larger process, to encourage our pursuit of higher consciousness.
Yet, most live lost within the limits of its levees. As time passed, for those trapped within the confines of their selfish preoccupations, growing importance was placed upon their ego issues. Image, power, and possessions and the things that represented them began to seem like they were matters of survival. Negative thoughts and emotions, which were biologically engineered solely for the purpose of helping us survive against legitimate threats to life, were now occurring when our ego needs were threatened. Negative emotions went from the survival basics of anger or fear that helped us fight or run away from a snarling tiger or thundering landslide to anger or fear in the service of our image, thirst for power, and push for possessions. Just as the ego was never intended to foster selfish preoccupations, our negative emotions were not designed to serve the ego. But here we are. Now what?
Take Back Your Peace
When I checked in with Siri regarding the definition of peace, here is what she said: A state prevailing during the absence of war; harmonious relations freedom from disputes; the absence of mental stress or anxiety; the general security of public places; and a treaty to cease hostilities. ?
If we embroider all five of these definitions into a contextually integrated whole, then we will arrive at an image of peace that approaches its meaning in this article. Remember, stress triggers the brain into believing that our life is in danger, creating a cascade effect through our related thoughts, emotions, words, and actions. We may seem angry (fight), avoidant (flight), or vacant (freeze) for no apparent reason. We may aggressively act out, pack our things and leave, or curl up on the floor in our closet hoping to disappear. Variations on a fight, flight, or freeze theme are all the brain allows us to consider while under stress.
While in this state we do not usually realize that what we are thinking, feeling, saying, or doing is the result of a temporary condition caused by stress. We usually believe that we are fully justified in our views and go looking for things to support them. This secondary response to the initial stress response is what reinforces the problem, and often creates new and bigger ones. We want to believe that what we said and did was right (ego image), so we look for internal (thoughts) and external (people) allies to support it. We do this even when it means distorting perceptions and contextual relevance, or fabricating information, events, and memories.
From this ego illusion comes a distorted sense of reality based on the perceived limitations generated by the brain when we are in Survival Mode. It pulls us out of our peace and places us in a primitive mindset where we again believe that we need to struggle for survival (full circle back to our cave-dwelling days). But, unless there is a real and eminent threat, it is all unnecessary. It is an ego-driven illusion. We can rise above it and take back our peace. In order to do this, we must convince the brain that we are safe.
The post Why do we stress out? appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between holistic and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats all aspects of the person: mind, body, soul, and spirit. Holistic medicine examines every aspect of a person’s health. It also considers spiritual, physical, and environmental factors that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine is used to treat conditions like arthritis, asthma, and allergies.
What makes holistic medicine superior?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. This involves looking at the person’s feelings, food, lifestyle, stress levels, etc.
Holistic medicine is holistic and considers all aspects a patient’s lives. It treats them all as one complete package. This may sound simple but it is not easy to practice. Most doctors are focused on the physical side.
Is holistic medicine considered safe?
Holistic Medicine may not be as dangerous as you might think. However, there are many risks involved in using this treatment. The most common side effects include headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, and insomnia. Patients must understand these risks and weigh them against the benefits of alternative treatments such as acupuncture.
However, there are no known cases of death due to the use of holistic medicines.
As always, talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment plan.
Who uses alternative medicine instead of traditional medicine?
Alternative medicine is available for many reasons.
- They want to avoid harmful drugs and surgery.
- They believe natural remedies work more effectively.
- They prefer non-invasive treatment.
- They are looking to spend less.
- They feel more at ease using natural products
- They desire more control over their healthcare decisions.
- They are ready to take charge of their health.
- They seek a more healthy environment.
- They desire less stress in their life.
- They desire greater control over their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their child to receive a better educational experience.
- They want healthy food and good nutrition for their family.
- They are looking for safe and effective medication.
What are some examples of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine refers specifically to any treatment that is not used in mainstream medicine. These include traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicines, nutritional therapy, and energy healing techniques such as reiki.
Alternative medicine could also refer to any practice that has not been supported by scientific evidence but is used in clinical practice. Meditation, yoga, aromatherapy and reflexology are some examples.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based
Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. They might have tried other treatments, but they were ineffective. Or they may prefer to try alternative therapies because they offer more benefits than traditional care. Alternately, they may look into complementary and alternative medicine as part of a holistic approach for health. Always verify with your doctor that the scientific backing of any complementary or alternative medicines you use is supported. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. It could save you money and time in the long run.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care stands out from Alternative Medicine as it focuses on the whole person and not just the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care considers all aspects of a person’s life including their mental, physical and emotional health, as well as occupational, cultural, social, and familial factors.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these problems. It is solely concerned with the body, mind, and emotions.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
How To
What are the qualities of a qualified holistic physician?
How do you find a holistic doctor?
Specialization in a particular field is what makes doctors the best. This is holistic medicine. This means that doctors must know how to treat their patients holistically, which includes treating them as a whole person rather than just their symptoms. A holistic doctor should have a deep understanding of holistic health.
Doctors must be well-versed in holistic health. They should also be familiar with complementary and other therapies (CAM), like acupuncture or chiropractic care.
Holistic practitioners should also be capable of diagnosing your condition and explaining the available treatments to you so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment options.
Ask if your doctor is certified by professional organizations such as the American Holistic Medical Association or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. NBOHMCA certifies in many areas such as naturopathic medicine (naturopathy), acupuncture and homeopathy, clinical nutrition (herbalalism), and aromatherapy.
Look through our directory to find a holistic doctor in your region. If there isn’t one listed, you may be able to search online for a holistic doctor near you.
Check with your local hospital to see if they offer holistic health care.
For books and information on holistic healthcare, visit your library.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Why do we stress out?
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/brain-health/stress/why-do-we-stress-out/
Published Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2023 19:45:48 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between holistic and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats all aspects of the person: mind, body, soul, and spirit. Holistic medicine examines every aspect of a person’s health. It also considers spiritual, physical, and environmental factors that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine is used to treat conditions like arthritis, asthma, and allergies.
What makes holistic medicine superior?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. This involves looking at the person’s feelings, food, lifestyle, stress levels, etc.
Holistic medicine is holistic and considers all aspects a patient’s lives. It treats them all as one complete package. This may sound simple but it is not easy to practice. Most doctors are focused on the physical side.
Is holistic medicine considered safe?
Holistic Medicine may not be as dangerous as you might think. However, there are many risks involved in using this treatment. The most common side effects include headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, and insomnia. Patients must understand these risks and weigh them against the benefits of alternative treatments such as acupuncture.
However, there are no known cases of death due to the use of holistic medicines.
As always, talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment plan.
Who uses alternative medicine instead of traditional medicine?
Alternative medicine is available for many reasons.
- They want to avoid harmful drugs and surgery.
- They believe natural remedies work more effectively.
- They prefer non-invasive treatment.
- They are looking to spend less.
- They feel more at ease using natural products
- They desire more control over their healthcare decisions.
- They are ready to take charge of their health.
- They seek a more healthy environment.
- They desire less stress in their life.
- They desire greater control over their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their child to receive a better educational experience.
- They want healthy food and good nutrition for their family.
- They are looking for safe and effective medication.
What are some examples of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine refers specifically to any treatment that is not used in mainstream medicine. These include traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicines, nutritional therapy, and energy healing techniques such as reiki.
Alternative medicine could also refer to any practice that has not been supported by scientific evidence but is used in clinical practice. Meditation, yoga, aromatherapy and reflexology are some examples.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based
Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. They might have tried other treatments, but they were ineffective. Or they may prefer to try alternative therapies because they offer more benefits than traditional care. Alternately, they may look into complementary and alternative medicine as part of a holistic approach for health. Always verify with your doctor that the scientific backing of any complementary or alternative medicines you use is supported. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. It could save you money and time in the long run.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care stands out from Alternative Medicine as it focuses on the whole person and not just the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care considers all aspects of a person’s life including their mental, physical and emotional health, as well as occupational, cultural, social, and familial factors.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these problems. It is solely concerned with the body, mind, and emotions.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
How To
What are the qualities of a qualified holistic physician?
How do you find a holistic doctor?
Specialization in a particular field is what makes doctors the best. This is holistic medicine. This means that doctors must know how to treat their patients holistically, which includes treating them as a whole person rather than just their symptoms. A holistic doctor should have a deep understanding of holistic health.
Doctors must be well-versed in holistic health. They should also be familiar with complementary and other therapies (CAM), like acupuncture or chiropractic care.
Holistic practitioners should also be capable of diagnosing your condition and explaining the available treatments to you so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment options.
Ask if your doctor is certified by professional organizations such as the American Holistic Medical Association or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. NBOHMCA certifies in many areas such as naturopathic medicine (naturopathy), acupuncture and homeopathy, clinical nutrition (herbalalism), and aromatherapy.
Look through our directory to find a holistic doctor in your region. If there isn’t one listed, you may be able to search online for a holistic doctor near you.
Check with your local hospital to see if they offer holistic health care.
For books and information on holistic healthcare, visit your library.
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