How Stress is *actually* killing you
How Chronic Stress Effects the Central Nervous System
There’s a saying that stress is addictive, and it literally, clinically is.
Studies show that the chemicals released by the brain during periods of extended stress (like Adrenaline, and Dopamine our “Happy” neurotransmitter) can cause a chemical reaction as addictive as hard drugs. By activating the brain’s reward centers, dopamine release encourages repeat behaviors, making ongoing stress a sought-after mental state.
The brain’s response to stressful stimuli is what activates the HPA Axis. This is the intricate interplay between between Hypothalamus, Pituitary, and Adrenal glands. In short: our main physiological system that facilitates the body’s stress responses. It regulates the creation and release of of important Central Nervous System (CNS) hormones, culminating in an increased production of Cortisol (our “Stress Hormone”) from the Adrenal glands.
This reaction between Hypothalamus and Cortisol is normal, and there’s good reason for it. Our body needs to know how to react and respond to stressful situations. But while increased Cortisol as a result of stress isn’t blanket statement “BAD,” the effects over time of hyper-stimulation can result in neurological dysfunction and disruption.
Research shows that chronic stress changes brain structures which can manifest in or make us more vulnerable to certain serious conditions. There are forms of “good stress” that can increase our problem solving capabilities and make us more resilient to external threat, but as always there can be too much of a good thing. Getting into a cycle of chronic stress has the opposite effect.
THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC STRESS CAN INCLUDE:
Anxiety and Mood disorders
Short-term memory loss
Changes in brain cell structure
Hormonal imbalance
Cardiovascular irregularities
High Blood Pressure
Reproductive dysfunction
Insomnia and disrupted circadian rhythm
As a result of all of these factors, there’s evidence to suggest that chronic stress can result in reduced life expectancy, especially when combined with harmful lifestyle habits like smoking.
I commonly treat patients for the effects of Stress and Anxiety, and there’s a surprising amount of research on how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine help to offset the effects of chronic stress.
ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE MEDICINE HELPS TO:
Regulate the Autonomic Nervous System (our "Rest and Digest" function)
Lower Cortisol Levels (our Stress Hormones)
Increase endorphins and regulate serotonin (which impacts mood and sleep, among other things)
If you’d like to know more about how we can work to help mitigate the harmful effects of Stress and Anxiety, please feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help.
