What is stress?

The stress response of the body is meant to protect and support us. Often referred to as the "fight or flight response”, our bodies unconsciously prepare for physical action in order to confront or flee a perceived threat. With a release of hormones, your heartbeat speeds up; your blood pressure increases; your breathing quickens. Most modern stresses, however, do not call for either fight or flight. Our experience of stress is generally related to how we respond to an event, not to the event itself.

What are SOME of the symptoms of stress?

We must remember that the body and mind are not separate entities. Most notably, the physical problems outlined below may result from, or be exacerbated by, stress:

fatigue or sleep disturbances, muscle tension - back, shoulder or neck pain, tension or migraine headaches, upset or acid
stomach, cramps, heartburn, gas, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, diarrhea, ulcers, weight gain or loss, eating disorders, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain, asthma or shortness of breath, cold hands or feet, skin problems (hives, eczema, psoriasis, tics, itching), periodontal disease, jaw pain, reproductive problems, immune system suppression: more colds, flu, infections

It is important to consult with and/or have a medical doctor involved in your treatment as these symptoms can be caused by other more serious illnesses.