Physical Effects of Stress

Direct Effects of Stress

The 'fight' or 'flight' response to a perceived threat was useful for ancient man, however, it is often unhelpful for people in modern society. Genetically we over-react to day-to-day situations with an ancient response mechanism that does not serve us. The direct physical effects of stress are plentiful. Below is a list of how stress effects body functions directly, in various ways.

• Our heart rate increases
• Our blood vessels constrict
• Our breathing increases
• Our digestion slows down or stops
• Our immune system shuts down
• Possible evacuation of our bowels
• Sexual function reduced or stopped
• Our muscles tighten up
• We may experience increased sweating
• Our liver produces more glucose
• Release of hormones (Adrenalin and Cortisone)

In conjunction with the direct physical effects of stress, we also have the indirect (physical) effects of stress. So how does stress affect your overall health in indirect ways? Below is a list of the main indirect physical symptoms of stress.

• Tiredness, Irritability and Anxiety
• Pain in upper back, shoulders and neck
• Insomnia, Headaches, Migraines
• Bowel issues such as IBS
• Inability to focus, Brain Fog
• Indigestion and/or Constipation
• Weight Fluctuations
• Issues with Blood Pressure - too high/too low
• Breathing problems, Asthma, etc
• Rapid or Irregular Heart Beat
• Inability to cope with day-to-day life
• Loss of appetite or binge eating
• More reliance on addictive substances, e.g., Alcohol, Nicotine, Caffeine, Sugar
• Women may experience menstruation issues

So as you can see, we have the short-term, immediate physical effects of stress and then the longer-term effects that manifest after a more constant exposure to a particular Stressor. In our 'History Of Stress' section we will go deeper into how a particular Stressor is often a 3 stage process. We will examine the 'Hans Selye' Stress model comprising of Alarm, Adaptation and Exhaustion.

Having described the main effects of stress we would like to show you how to handle stress, effectively and comprehensively. The EPFX SCIO is one of the most advanced stress management devices available today.

Our leading-edge biofeedback equipment can interface with your subconscious (or superconscious mind), and identify your hidden stressors or anxieties. Once the source of your stress or anxiety is revealed the EPFX SCIO can restore your balance or equilibrium. We do this by sending you the appropriate restorative frequencies to allow you to return to your natural state of wellness.