ANXIETY: The Mind/Body Connection
Like all emotions, anxiety is a natural part of the Human Drama.
We really are a very efficient Biofeedback organism. Without this
automatic response mechanism, we would never survive. The conscious
thinking part of our brain, the Cerebral Cortex is far to slow
to ensure that we respond to unexpected stimuli, such as the need
to step out of the way of a speeding car.
The Biofeedback mechanism is the Autonomic nervous system. This
responds to the subconscious part of the brain function and activates
the bodily response appropriate to the danger perceived. This
is called the "flight or fight" reaction and activates the cardiac,
adrenal output and muscle responses.
Normal anxiety is therefore a prerequisite for a well functioning
individual.
Pathological anxiety can represent an over-reaction in an otherwise
healthy individual. There are a number of physiological symptoms
that can indicate an over-active adrenal response. These include
raised pulse rate, increased forearm bloodflow, increased sweating,
dry mouth and hyperventilation.
Hyperventilation can cause chest pains, palpitations, numb fingers,
dizziness, tremors, weakness and sleeplessness. It causes CO2
levels to drop in the blood, which stimulates nerve cells and
primes the body for action. Muscle tension is increased, the pain
threshold lowered and adrenalin is released into the blood. As
CO2 levels drop, lactic acid is produced disturbing the acid/
alkaline balance and the metabolism is affected.
If this situation continues for some time, there are major changes
that occur at a cellular level, all of which are damaging to the
normal functioning of the body and can lead to changes in the
cellular chemistry that may require Clinical Nutrition to restore
normal function.
Another important trigger in anxiety attacks can be found within
the body itself. The autonomic nervous system responds to internal
stresses as well. These may occur when there is an allergic reaction
to food eaten or contact with chemicals. Excessive intake of stimulants
such as coffee, alcohol, sugar, or food additives such as MSG
can stress the body and trigger an anxiety attack.
Our food today, is generally over processed and has too many chemical
additives to be considered healthy. Being stressed can even make
one more sensitive to these additives, therefore it is important
to consider what you eat.
Make an effort to avoid processed foods. If it's in a packet,
don't eat it. Prepare your meals from foods as nature produced
them.
It is no accident that all of the ancient practices of health
and regeneration such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Chi Gong and the martial
arts all teach as a fundamental practice, the art of breathing.
Without breath, there is no life! Breathing should come naturally,
however because of the nature of the human Mind/ Body connection
we have learned to effectively disrupt or override what comes
naturally.
When we are confronted by, what we consider a fearful situation,
instead of allowing the breathing to remain deep and slow, we
either hold the breath or hyperventilate. This effectively paralyses
our ability to act. Why do we do this? I guess one could say that
we have learned bad habits or we just lack the knowledge and skills
to take the appropriate action in any given circumstance. That
is why the "sages" of old, developed the above mentioned practices.
It could also be simply because as humans we do not come with
a Users Manual! As complex beings we still have a lot to learn
about ourselves.
Living life to the full requires skills that no one has taught
you. They taught you to read and write and how to join the work
force, but absolutely nothing about the functioning of your bio
feedback machine, your body/mind. To enhance your journey, you
must seek out knowledge and I would recommend to everyone the
martial art of Aikido, Tai Chi, Kung Fu or Yoga as ideal places
to begin your education.
By learning the skills necessary to build confidence and belief
in yourself, you will automatically remove from your reality the
perceived threats to your survival. Reprogram your subconscious
mind and it will serve you well, after all that is its purpose.
For assistance with Nutrition, see your local Naturopath and ask
about Clinical Nutrition.
Gary Courtenay ND.
Accredited Natural Therapist
16 Olinda - Monbulk Road
OLINDA VIC 3788
For appointments phone: (03) 9751-1015
