The stress response calls on the body to release adrenaline, making your skin prickle and your alertness sharpens, but other physical changes also occur. Adrenaline calls on your fat cells to empty their contents into the blood stream, increasing your cholesterol level . The body asks for energy, stimulating the blood pressure to increase so more nutrients will be available for muscles to use. We now know from research that frequent feelings of hostility (one expression of the stress response) are as bad for the heart as being a regular smoker. We also know that feeling depressed after having a heart attack indicates a higher risk of it happening again. Mind/body programs have been effective in teaching people with high blood pressure to lower it significantly. Combined with a very low fat diet, mind/body programs have demonstrated that blockages in coronary blood vessels can shrink enough to avoid heart bypass surgery.

The immune system is weakened by frequently experiencing stress, and is strengthened when social support is present. A weak immune system is responsible for the progression of the common cold, cancer, and AIDS. In one study people who learned a simple meditative relaxation technique significantly strengthened their immune functioning. Other studies indicate that social support improves the ability to fight the common cold, and may offer cancer patients a longer life.

There is also a set of diseases that result from having the immune system be so strong that it starts to attack parts of your own body. These autoimmune diseases include allergies, some skin problems, lupus, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and more. Visualization techniques and mind/body programs show promise for these diseases because by reducing the stress reaction and thereby reducing the physical demands on the body, it can conserve its energy.

Some types of headaches, TMJ, as well as back pain are worsened by increased muscle tension. The stress response includes the muscles tightening in order to be prepared to flee or to fight. Continuously experiencing stress will therefore make any of these muscular pains worse. Clinicians prescribe medications to relax your muscles if you experience acute back pain, but you can learn to enhance that relaxation process yourself in mind/body programs.

When you take the mind/body connection seriously, you are on the frontier of modern medicine. You may find that not all doctors or experts that you consult are up to date with research findings in this area. They may not emphasize the importance of mood and attitude on the way your body functions. If your problems are more of an emotional issue, you may find that you would like an approach that includes the body. Either way, you will be healthier if you take your health into your own hands and explore what approaches are best for you. Please browse this website for some useful ideas.