| In the past decade or so, there's a growing body of | | | | exacerbating cause of many physical problem. While |
| evidence that stress affects your immune system. In | | | | at the same time a physical illness or injury can |
| fact, researchers have even coined a name for this | | | | contribute to stress. The result is a cycle of stress - |
| new field of study psychoneuroimmunology. Quite a | | | | disease - more stress - more disease which ultimately |
| mouthful! The study of the relationship between | | | | can cause serious damage to the body, mind and |
| mood, emotions and hormonal levels. Without going | | | | spirit. The "which comes first" is irrelevant since the |
| into too much detail chronic stress can compromise | | | | ultimate result is sickness and disease. |
| your immune system. Making it less resistant to | | | | That being said, keep in mind stress management |
| bacteria and viruses. It may even play a role in | | | | techniques should never be used in place of |
| aggravating immune disorders such as HIV, herpes, | | | | competent medical care. Technique should be used to |
| and cancer metastasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. | | | | complement the care you're already receiving for |
| In what way does stress compromise the immune | | | | your illness or injury. |
| system's effectiveness? When the body's equilibrium | | | | Be Prepared - know some techniques to use daily |
| is disturbed due to long term release of stress | | | | Be Patient - nothing will work overnight |
| hormones the immune system can't work effectively | | | | Be Positive - concentrate on the solution |
| or efficiently. Imagine trying to complete an important | | | | Be Practical - don't expect to get rid of a life |
| project during an earthquake. | | | | threatening illness by deep breathing techniques alone. |
| Under optimal conditions the immune system is more | | | | Take action. Feeling powerless is a big contributor to |
| able to help the body heal itself. While stress may | | | | stress and it's resulting illnesses. The action you take |
| not be the root of a disease, the relationship | | | | doesn't have to be dramatic to be empowering. By |
| between the mind body connection means that | | | | taking small positive steps you may side step many |
| stress can contribute to it, and may well be the | | | | chronic debilitating diseases. |