To alleviate symptoms caused by stress, Reflexology allows you to reach a state of deep relaxation and helps get to the root cause, so healing continues. This root cause being the prolonged state of “fight-or-flight”, which is so common in a fast paced and pressured life.

 

Physical symptoms of stress present differently for everyone, but commonly include aches, pains and muscular tension. In fight-or-flight state we prepare for danger by tensing our peripheral muscles, either to flee or protect organs beneath. Prolonged tension therefore creates strain, pain and discomfort.

 

Some other common complaints, due to prolonged stress after the perceived danger has gone, result because of restriction of the blood supply to organs. These include the digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Without sufficient blood flow to the smooth muscle of the digestive tract and urinary tract, they are unable to function optimally, leading to conditions such as IBS, constipation, inability to absorb nutrients, stomach cramps, indigestion, heartburn and nausea, frequent urination, and if not addressed, can lead to incontinence.

As reproduction is not required during a flight or fight response, blood supply to these organs are restricted, leading to loss of sexual desire and menstrual irregularities. Stress affects the nervous and endocrine systems too, so with the hormones out of balance stress can impact both men and women’s fertility.

 

The immune system is also negatively affected by stress, making them more susceptible to infections and viruses.

 

Symptoms and signs of stress to look out for, that people tend to overlook or suffer with in silence:

 

• Feeling faint, hot or sweaty

• Being breathless or restless

• Tiredness even after sleep and exhaustion.

• Suffering with cold hands and feet

• Headaches

• Dry mouth

• Night cramps and difficulty sleeping.

• Rapid weight gain and weight loss

• Skin rash

• Panic attacks or hyperventilation

• Changes to behavior, mood swings or sense of overwhelm

• Impaired creativity and productivity

• Feeling de-motivated, bored and antisocial