How to relieve Stress naturally

Biofeedback Method:
In this method different electronic gadgets are attached to the body and the functions of different systems of the body are monitored. The result is informed to the person. If the results are not normal the person adjusts his activities so that the functions of the body are back to normal. Muscle monitor is one such gadget which monitors the tension in the muscle. If it is found to be increased, steps are taken to reduce it.

Progressive Muscle relaxation

In this technique, the different parts of the body are put under tension keeping the rest of the body relaxed and then slowly relaxing the tensed part. The steps of how to relieve stress are

Lie down comfortably on your back
Take deep breaths
Make a tight fist of your hands
Keep the rest of the body relaxed
Maintain this for about 15 seconds and then relax it.
Do this in different parts of the body starting from face, shoulder, abdomen, back. legs and toes

This unique method releases the tension in different parts of the body and there is relief of all body aches and stress reduction.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is an ancient method for treating many ailments. The different types of hydrotherapy which are used for treating various diseases are

Whole body bath
Sitz bath
Foot bath
Vapor bath

Of these four the whole body bath is used for relieving stress. In whole body bath the water should be shoulder deep and the temperature should be around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The duration should be at least 30 minutes. Whole body bath can be done with plain water or by mixing essential oils (as aromatherapy).

Some of the ailments which can be treated by hydrotherapy are

Stress
Cramps
Hemorrhoids
Pelvic congestion
Varicose veins
Arthritis

Hydrotherapy with warm water is ideal. It increases the blood flow which helps in muscle relaxation and relief of pain. It also has a sedative effect and relieves anxiety and tension.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is being used as part of most stress management programs. Aroma means smell and therapy means treatment. In this form of therapy inhalation of certain substances are used for treating the disease. Essential oils which are concentrated plant extracts are used in aromatherapy for stress reduction. Some of the well known essential oils which do have a role to play in stress reduction are

Chamomile
Lavender
Lemon
Benzoin
Clary Sage
Cedar wood
Sandalwood

Limbic system is a part of the brain which is linked with emotions. The emotional aspects of stress like anger, depression and anxiety are all due to this limbic system. This area of the brain is also connected with the Olfactory nerve which carries the sense of smell. Stimulation of this nerve by pleasant smells activates the limbic system which in turn secretes endorphin and serotonin. These two substances are mood stabilizers and they counteract the effects of stress. Essential oils are being used on this principle.

These essential oils are used alone or as a mixture to get optimum results. Essential oils are inhaled for obtaining the desired results. Some of the modes of delivering the essential oils are

Direct inhalation
Massage
Room sprays
Baths
Perfumes
Humidifiers

Music Therapy

Music can be mentioned as one of the most commonly used methods for stress reduction. A mind soothing music definitely helps in relieving stress. Many researches have been done on the role of music in relieving stress and it has been found out that it is the rhythm or the beat of the music that relieves stress. While listening to music there is an increase in the depth of breathing, which provides more oxygen and therefore more energy to the body. Also there is secretion of serotonin in the brain which acts as a mood stabilizer.

Most of the stress reduction techniques have origin in the east. But because of their ability to reduce stress they are now practiced world wide as part of different stress management programs.

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