Stress: Good or Bad?
An interesting part of biological systems is its ability to maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis helps balance the bodies systems to ensure its protection and well-being. These stages of homeostasis are called feedback loops. Feedback loops can work together in the same direction or in opposite directions. An example of this would be sweating due to the heat in the summer, or the body counteracting stress. These pathways can be very simple involving two neurons, or involve many neurons with many different target organs.
The body counteracting stress is one of the functions of the neuroendocrine system. The body has two main ways to promote stress relief: Fast and Slow relief. The faster of the two pathways is stimulation of the adrenal medulla and the secretion of epinephrine. Epinephrine is the hormone used during the ‘fight or flight’ system. The slower pathway to counteract stress is through cortisol. Secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex promotes the creation of glucose, suppression of the immune system, and enhances brain function.
A popular technique used by the Neuro Clinic is Repetitive Peripheral Somatosensory Stimulation. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps the body relax and heal itself. This helps the body de-stress.
You can read more about RPSS and it's benefits by visiting our Therapies Page.
