ELIMINATING STRESS IS KNOWLEDGE THAT LIBERATES.
Irritation is not yet stress; it is merely an emotion that triggers tension, which remains in various parts of our body. This is what stress is—it blocks and inhibits the functioning of our senses, damages organs, and impairs the ability to properly assess situations. It significantly reduces the body’s efficiency. Knowledge of how stress arises and how to combat it can completely free us from this problem. For years, I have been warning and repeating wherever I can about how harmful stress is to health. It often happens that in books that come into my hands, I find confirmation of my discoveries and reflections. This happened again this time. Serge King describes in a very good and clear way what happens to our body as a result of unprocessed stress. He also provides methods for quickly relaxing. (ZN)
In fact, almost everything we do causes stress, and this is completely normal. Thoughts, emotions, any physical activity, eating meals, environmental conditions—all of these naturally trigger certain stress responses.
What is unnatural is stress that lasts for a long time and is uninterrupted, as this is not normal. The natural rhythm of life consists of constantly transitioning from stress and tension to releasing that tension and relaxing, and then back to stress again, and so on. On the other hand, the unnatural cycle looks like this:
stress – tension – release of tension – relaxation
stress – tension – release of tension – relaxation
stress – tension – release…
stress – tension – stress
When the part of the cycle that should include the release of tension and relaxation is suppressed, stress builds up. When the tension resulting from stress reaches a certain critical level (which varies among individuals), the body’s functions begin to break down. Here, we are mainly talking about the body, but remember that the same applies to interpersonal relationships, societies, and Nature.
At the moment of experiencing stress, the body undergoes five different processes almost simultaneously, namely:
- Sugar is released into the bloodstream. The natural purpose of this reaction is to provide energy for action; automatically, the amount needed to cope with the situation is released. If the part of the cycle aimed at releasing tension and relaxing the body does not occur, more sugar is released than necessary, leading to disharmony. In such a case, it is good to perform a few vigorous movements to use up the excess of this substance.
- The thymus gland contracts. This large gland, located in the center of the chest behind the sternum, is associated with growth in children and with the immune system in adults. Natural contractions and expansions of the thymus stimulate the production of white blood cells, while prolonged, uninterrupted contraction inhibits this process and additionally causes feelings of anxiety. Lightly tapping the chest with your fingers helps relax the thymus.
- Muscles tense up. The purpose of this reflex is to strengthen and stimulate cells to prepare them for appropriate action. They recharge during the relaxation phase of the cycle. Fitness experts know that muscles strengthen and increase in mass as a result of alternating tension and relaxation phases. Prolonged, uninterrupted muscle tension leads to cell damage and the accumulation of toxins, impairing the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the body. Pain caused by muscle tension results not only from pressure on nerves but also from a lack of oxygen at the cellular level. (Incidentally, muscles are not just the large masses of cells that move our body; muscle tissue also covers nerves and internal organs.) Stretching, vigorous movement, and self-massage can help release tension.
- Capillaries expand. Capillaries are tiny veins and arteries that deliver blood directly to cells and carry it away. They form a network of tubular vessels that allow nutrients and oxygen carried by the blood to penetrate the cells. Under stress, the openings in the network widen, and plasma—the transparent substance that carries blood and its components—flows through them faster. The purpose of the relaxation phase is to nourish and cleanse the cells more quickly and to flush toxins into the lymphatic system, which removes them from the body. Prolonged tension slows the movement of lymph, and plasma and proteins accumulate in the intercellular spaces, causing toxin buildup, increased pressure, swelling, and reduced delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the cells. Under extreme stress, such as an accident or shock, the network opens so much that blood spills out, causing spots on the body or unnatural pallor. In such cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary. Gentle massage of the body, excluding injured areas, can also be helpful.
- Cells release toxins. Our cells continuously remove toxins, as this is a natural, constant activity of the body. Under stress, their activity increases (until tension inhibits it), and the amount of toxins removed increases. These toxins are naturally washed away by plasma and removed by the lymphatic system through sweat, lungs, and the excretory system.
If prolonged tension inhibits this process, toxins accumulate in certain areas, poisoning neighboring cells and entering the bloodstream through expanded capillaries, potentially reaching the brain and endocrine glands. This is one reason why some people feel dizzy or irritable when they begin to relax after a long period of constant tension, for example, through massage or relaxation techniques. Deep breathing is very helpful in removing toxins, as it stimulates the lymphatic system.
The processes described above affect the entire body, although their intensity is greater in the parts directly affected by stress. Since the conditions for disease development are linked to the state of tension, identifying its source is very helpful in treatment.
(Source: Serge Kahili King: Urban Shaman)
(Świat to Apteka No. 26/27 – April/May 2011)