| Description |
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficacy of different stress reduction techniques in coping with our automatic stress responses. It has been recognized since the early nineteen hundreds that there is a physiological response to stress. This response has been defined as the fight or flight response by Walter Canon in 1914. Seyle, later in the century, developed what he called the General Adaptation Syndrome to describe the physiological responses to chronic stressors. It is well known now that excessive amounts; of stress have detrimental effects on the body and general health. This paper investigates some mechanisms available for stress management and compares their effectiveness. The management techniques discussed are: exercise, yoga, Tai Chi Chuan and meditation. Research has been done on each of these modalities and have shown that these management techniques have been effective in lowering state anxiety levels, lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood lactate levels and levels of other stress hormones in the body. Some proponents of these techniques assert that when employed, illness and disease can be prevented, or in some cases, alleviated all together. Comparative studies have been done to determine the "best" management technique. However, the results of these studies are often contradictory and inconclusive. The conclusions reached in this investigation are that stress reduction techniques are definitely needed in order to maintain health and avoid serious damage to the body. Since all people react differently to stress reduction mechanisms it is really a personal decision as to which method to practice. |
