Health On The Blog

There are many medical conditions that can be improved and indeed healed by practicing yoga. It can be used to lessen the negative effects of infertility, lung disease, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, cancer, high blood pressure, and joint pain. The beneficial effects of yoga practices are well recognized not only by the yoga community and alternative practitioners, but also by many mainline medical doctors.

One of the main elements that leads to an illness is stress. Being responsible for a huge number of sicknesses, this item, which we develop in our minds, can be reduced through a good usage of yoga techniques. Here are just some of the problems that are related to an over active stress response: depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, some types of diabetes mellitus, cardio vascular disease, several autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, reproductive problems, and an aggravated suppression of the immune system.

The response of the sympathetic nervous system can trigger stress in our metabolism. The reaction to various outside stimuli is also known as the fight or flight response, this is where the mind and body, faced with an endangering or disturbing element, prepares for one of the two options. Physically, this is manifested through an instantaneous heart rate increase, together with a high ascent of blood pressure. Breathing gets shallow and the muscles tense in anticipation of the following action. Internally, this response reduces the blood flow to internal organs and processes that are not essential in that particular moment (such as digestion and elimination) are shut down.

This state of increased awareness and readiness is beneficial on a short term, preparing our body to react to the outside interventions and stimuli. Both in a fight, and in a flight situation, the body is physically and mentally prepared to act. The problem arises when long term exposure to similar stress takes place. This fight or flight response is only meant to help on short periods of time, the longer it is activated the less resources will the body have to function normally.

There is a natural countermeasure for the fight or flight response. It is called the parasympathetic nervous system or the relaxation response. It is automatically activated when the elements that caused the stress are gone but it is also possible to increase its effects by breathing deeply and relaxing your muscles. By increasing the length of this process we allow our body to recover faster, enabling it to eliminate the harmful effects of stress in a prompt and efficient manner.

Yoga highlights the idea that by using breathing and relaxation techniques you can reduce the harmful effects of stress factors on your body. A lessened fight or flight response can also be achieved by looking at adverse factors as challenges rather than threats. This approach allows your mind to focus on finding a solution, rather than creating an abrupt response. Another concept employed by this technique is that of acting versus reacting, of taking initiative versus responding to outside factors.

The positive effects of yoga during a healing process are undeniable. However, these techniques should only be used as a form of support and the healing should not rely solely on them. The best results are achieved by combining yoga with traditional and modern medicine and by addressing a problem both from a mental and physical point of view.

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The Author: John Savage has a fascinating Blog all about Yoga. Please Click Here to visit.

What is Stress? In its simplest definition stress is anything that causes you to think, do, or feel something – it is the “pressure” that precedes an action. Stress in itself is neither bad nor good, and its effects can have both a positive and negative influence over your life.

Positive and Negative Effects of Stress

Positive stress is what spurs you on to achieve your goals and aspirations. It is the force that drives your creativity and personal growth. On the flip-side of the equation, negative stress can lead to a myriad of psychological and physical symptoms that to a greater or lesser degree impacts your health and wellbeing.

Nothing would ever get accomplished in your life were it not for the positive driving force of stress. It is only when such stress becomes overwhelming to you that physical and mental effects of stress on health become apparent.

Psychological and Physical Effects of Stress

As mentioned, stress has both psychological and physical components. Some of the psychological symptoms of stress include:

* Anxiety
* Depression
* Aggression
* Fear
* Withdrawal
* Overeating

Some physical stress symptoms include:

* Heart disease
* Weight gain
* Chest pain
* Elevated cholesterol
* Hair loss
* Fatigue

Unchecked, the symptoms of stress and anxiety can have a far reaching impact on your health and wellbeing. Studies regarding stress and the immune system show a marked connection between immune system dysfunction and stress illness.

What Is Stress?

So, “What is stress?” Perhaps a better question is, “What is stress to you?” Attitude plays a key role in whether or not stress and anxiety masters you, or you master stress and anxiety. By understanding what stress is, you can begin to recognize negative stress symptoms as they arise and take positive stress management steps to mitigate the negative effects of stress and anxiety on your life.

About the Author: Find answers at http://Facts-About-Stress.info , where you’ll discover proven tips and techniques for managing stress, and how effective treatment can reduce anxiety symptoms and causes. John Michailidis is a professional researcher and consumer advocate writing on a number of topics of importance to individuals, families, and consumers.