Stress
According to the Oxford Dictionary, “stress” is defined as a “combination state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.” Medical jargon defines stress as a body homeostasis disturbance. The notion of stress was described in the year of 1930 by a Canadian researcher of Austrian origin, Hans Selye, as being a “general syndrome of adaptation”.
Stress triggers and origins:
Stress triggers and origins:
- Environmental factors;
- Emotional variations: anger, pain, sorrow or pleasure;
- Drug addiction;
- Pathological situations;
Mechanism of action
When a stressful situation occurs, an external stimulus is sent to the hypothalamus, which then transmits neurotransmitters towards the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland will then release hormones that control serotonin synthesis such as adrenalin, noradrenalin, and cortisol. This system is called the hypothalamo-hypophyso-suprarenal pathway.
The chain of reactions implied in stress is maintained because of numerous substances called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters transfer the information through neurons, between the central nervous system and throughout the body. The neurotransmitters may be classified in the following way:
- Inducers of feelings of wellbeing: endorphins (opioids such as morphine, heroin, etc,); noradrenalin, dopamine, acetylcholine and serotonin;
- Inhibitors of pain and anxiety: enkephalins, GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid);
- Hormones: melatonin and oxytocin.
That causes cardiovascular, digestive, or metabolic reactions.
Two systems which react to the stress:
Two systems which react to the stress:
- Nervous system: stimulation leads to a quick and brutal response: the secretion of catecholamine hormones such as adrenalin;
- Endocrine system: acts more slowly and secretes cortisol and cortisone.
The endocrinologist researcher Hans Selye classifies stress in three phases:
- Alarm reaction;
- Stage of resistance;
- Stage of exhaustion.
Post-traumatic stress syndrome
These events are qualified as “post-traumatic stress.”
There are also other social situations which may lead to chronic stress: stressful jobs, family problems, general life dissatisfaction of extended duration that manifests itself in psychological impacts on the individual, etc. It is therefore important to recognize these symptoms as well as the symptoms of the first phase, and to take necessary measures before it is too late.
A particular result of post-traumatic stress occurs after a very violent event: death of a close relative, a serious accident, physical or psychological aggression and even childbirth, etc. A state of permanent vegetative hyperactivity will take place. The individual will continue to revive the situation at different instances, long after the event has passed.
Multiple situations may result in post-traumatic stress and the reasons are numerous. For example:
- Problems with and at work;
- Pregnancy;
- Accidents or serious illnesses;
- Death of a close relative or an important event such as marriage or infertility.
These events are qualified as “post-traumatic stress.”
There are also other social situations which may lead to chronic stress: stressful jobs, family problems, general life dissatisfaction of extended duration that manifests itself in psychological impacts on the individual, etc. It is therefore important to recognize these symptoms as well as the symptoms of the first phase, and to take necessary measures before it is too late.
A particular result of post-traumatic stress occurs after a very violent event: death of a close relative, a serious accident, physical or psychological aggression and even childbirth, etc. A state of permanent vegetative hyperactivity will take place. The individual will continue to revive the situation at different instances, long after the event has passed.
- Daydreaming
- Frequent nightmares, sleep disturbances
- Continued revival impression with the evocation of the least detail concerning the traumatic event;
- Profound and major depression.
These symptoms appear immediately after the event and may last at least a month up to certain intensity, because the individual must go through a mourning phase. If the stressful feelings do not improve after a certain period, the consequence would be serious and the individual will enter phase 3.
Ontarian psychiatrist Barbara Anschuetz, described more specifically the evolution of stress in the stage of exhaustion, termed as cumulative stress.
At the beginning, symptoms often mostly consist of emotional responses that may last a year without the person becoming aware of it. The symptoms are signs of anxiety, depression, apathy or emotional tiredness.
If the aggression such as being overworked as shown in our example does not stop after the phase of exhaustion, the former mental symptoms which were unharmful may worsen after 6 months. In addition to mental symptoms, there may be physical symptoms associated with the deterioration:
- Sleep disorders;
- Muscular pains;
- Physical malaise;
- Headaches.
Thereafter, the signs of major cumulative stress develop. These symptoms will have a major impact on family life, career, physical as well as general psychological state. A generalized and persistent tiredness settles with signs of major depression dominating the behavior. In addition, the following symptoms appear:
- Gastric ulcers;
- Muscular pains;
- Migraines;
- Anxiety or panic attacks;
- Nervousness;
- Insomnia;
- Increase in consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs.
Finally, the individual will reach a state of self-destruction if he does not react after 5 to 10 consecutive years of stress. Major depressive symptoms will result in:
- Inaptitude with work and family life: unemployment, divorce;
- Lower self-esteem;
- Varied and uncontrolled feelings, with abrupt changes of mood: fits of anger followed by immediate major sorrow;
- Muscular tremors;
- Cardiac tremors;
- Extreme tiredness.
Thus, this hyper-activation evolves in a few weeks to the appearance of:
Physical symptoms:
- Pains such as colics, headaches, muscular and articular pains, etc, sleep, appetite and digestion disorders, breathlessness and oppression sensations and unusual sweats
Emotional symptoms:
- Increased sensitivity and nervousness, crying fit, distress, excitation, sadness, feelings of discomfort, etc.;
Intellectual symptoms:
- Disturbance of concentration necessary to perform a task, involving errors and lapses of memory, as well as difficulty of taking initiatives or decisions, etc.;
Behavioral symptoms:
- Attitude modification to food, aggressive and violent behaviors, social withdrawal such as withdrawal and difficulty of cooperating with others, etc.
Stress is a complex process. Any person, who suddenly experiences stress, must try to eliminate it, by taking control of the cause and changing its life rhythm.
It is necessary to try and keep oneself in good health via physical activities. Yoga, tai-chi as well as jogging have positive effects on the symptoms of stress.
The center for the appreciation of music is situated in the right hemisphere of the brain. By listening to music, the activity of the left hemisphere, which is responsible for binary activities, is sent towards that of creation (right side of the hemisphere). The music helps to stimulate our way of thinking. It has an enormous impact on our spirit and body.
Combined with sound, harmony, and rhythm, music is recognized as being so beneficial to our psyche, that it may even play a role in healing our body. The science of yoga teaches that the body is made of pure energy. In fact, music whether it is vocal or instrumental, sends various forms of energy and vibrations into space. People are generally attracted by various types of music which call upon their interior vibrations.
It is necessary to maintain a sense of balance. When the body is in “combat” or “euphoria” mode, the digestive system is temporarily closed and appetite is removed. The release of adrenalin and cortisol helps to mobilize the carbohydrates and fat, producing energy quickly. When the process ends, in an effort to replace the carbohydrates and fat used, cortisol remains in place to increase appetite. If the body does not react to its instinct of survival, the hormones which remain tend to create an artificial need for food. The artificial need will cause an irresistible desire to eat and consume unhealthy food;
It is thus necessary to learn to use exercise, especially major breathing exercises as well as physical to reduce muscular tension.
When a person experiences a stressful situation, the muscles will be tensed and the body will experience symptoms of weakening: muscular pain, stiffness, and even spasms. The greater the stress, the more lactic acid is produced and this acid will accumulate in the muscles. This is very tiring to the body and decreases the spirit and its ability to remain energetic and active.
Adopting a humorous view of life may bring calm to stressful situations. To help us keep our serenity and think clearly, one should not be to serious and remain in modes of constant “alerts.” During a period of stress, the supradrenal glands release corticosteroids which convert into cortisol in blood circulation. This produces an immunosuppressive effect. Dr. Lee Berk and Stanley Tan, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Loma Linda in California, conducted controlled studies showing that laughter lowers the level of serum cortisol, increases the quantity and activity of lymphocytes. Laughter also increases the number of T-Cells which contain repressive receivers.
Combined with sound, harmony, and rhythm, music is recognized as being so beneficial to our psyche, that it may even play a role in healing our body. The science of yoga teaches that the body is made of pure energy. In fact, music whether it is vocal or instrumental, sends various forms of energy and vibrations into space. People are generally attracted by various types of music which call upon their interior vibrations.
It is necessary to maintain a sense of balance. When the body is in “combat” or “euphoria” mode, the digestive system is temporarily closed and appetite is removed. The release of adrenalin and cortisol helps to mobilize the carbohydrates and fat, producing energy quickly. When the process ends, in an effort to replace the carbohydrates and fat used, cortisol remains in place to increase appetite. If the body does not react to its instinct of survival, the hormones which remain tend to create an artificial need for food. The artificial need will cause an irresistible desire to eat and consume unhealthy food;
It is thus necessary to learn to use exercise, especially major breathing exercises as well as physical to reduce muscular tension.
When a person experiences a stressful situation, the muscles will be tensed and the body will experience symptoms of weakening: muscular pain, stiffness, and even spasms. The greater the stress, the more lactic acid is produced and this acid will accumulate in the muscles. This is very tiring to the body and decreases the spirit and its ability to remain energetic and active.
Adopting a humorous view of life may bring calm to stressful situations. To help us keep our serenity and think clearly, one should not be to serious and remain in modes of constant “alerts.” During a period of stress, the supradrenal glands release corticosteroids which convert into cortisol in blood circulation. This produces an immunosuppressive effect. Dr. Lee Berk and Stanley Tan, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Loma Linda in California, conducted controlled studies showing that laughter lowers the level of serum cortisol, increases the quantity and activity of lymphocytes. Laughter also increases the number of T-Cells which contain repressive receivers.
Cortisol: The "Stress Hormone" From Melissa C. Stöppler, M.D., Your Guide to Stress Management. Consulted September 13, 2005; http://compalim.darguere.com/compl/ashwagandha.htm « Les compléments alimentaires, Ashwagandha » updated October 2002;
Ahmad, Muzamil; Saleem, Sofiyan; Ahmad, Abdullah Shafique; Ansari, Mubeen Ahmad; Yousuf, Seema; Hoda, Md Nasrul; Islam, Fakhrul Neuroprotective effects of Withania somnifera on 6-hydroxydopamine induced Parkinsonism in rats Human & Experimental Toxicology, Volume 24, Number 3, March 2005, pp. 137-147(11);
Padmavathi B, Rath PC, Rao AR, Singh RP. Roots of Withania somnifera Inhibit Forestomach and Skin Carcinogenesis in Mice;
Owais M, Sharad KS, Shehbaz A, Saleemuddin M. Antibacterial efficacy of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) an indigenous medicinal plant against experimental murine salmonellosis Phytomedicine. 2005 MAR;12(3):229-35;
Kneuritic Regeneration and Synaptic Reconstruction Induced by Withanolide A., Br J Pharmacol. 2005 Apr; 144(7): 961-71; Electronic Magazine «La lettre du psy », Volume 2, No. 8: August 1998, http://www.herbal-powers.com/ashwagandha1.html
http://www.univers-nature.com/sante-nature/griffonia.html;
Integrative Medicine Communications (Ed). Clinical reference, Herbs - 5-HTP, Onemedicine.com. [Consulted February 18, 2003]. www.onemedicine.com.
Therapeutic Research Faculty (Ed). 5-HTP, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. www.naturaldatabase.com
Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 514-5.
Bone K. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs; Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137–41;
Wagner H, Nörr H, Winterhoff H. Plant adaptogens. Phytomed 1994;1:63–76.
Anabalgan K, Sadique J. Antiinflammatory activity of Withania somnifera. Indian J Exp Biol 1981;19:245–9.
Bhattacharya SK, Kumar A, Ghosal S. Effects of glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera on an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease and perturbed central cholinergic markers of cognition in rats. Phytother Res 1995;9:110–3.
Bone K. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137–41.
Berry, Paul E., Bruce K. Holst, Kay Yatskievych, 1995. Flora of the Venezuelan Guayana, Missouri Botanical Garden.
Gentry, Alwyn, H., 1993. A Feild Guide to the Families and Genera of Woody Plants of Northwest South America, University of Chicago Press, Chicago IL, Record number 0079-00504 Nova Genera et Species Plantarum 542 43. Pl. 140, 142. 1826.
Schultes, R.E., and Raffauf, The Healing Forest. Medicinal and Toxic Plants of the Northwest Amazonia, R.F. Dioscorides Press, 1990.
De Oliveira, Fernando., 1986. "Pfaffia paniculata (Martius) Kuntze - Brazilian ginseng." Rev. Bras. Farmacog. 1(1) 86-92
Schwontkowski, Dr. Donna, 1993. HERBS OF THE AMAZON, Traditional and Common Uses, Science Student BrainTrust Publishin, Utah Hobbs, Christoper, 1996. "Adaptogens - Herbal Gems to Help Us Adapt." Let's Live Magazine.
Anuario Naturista, 1992. Los Productos Naturales, 5th Ed., Mundo Naturista, Quito, Ecuador
Bartram, Thomas. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, 1995. Ed Grace Publishers, Dorset England
Flynn, Rebecca & Roest, Mark., 1995 Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products. One World Press.
Prescott, AZ Lucas, Richard, M., 1991., Miracle Medicine Herbs, Parker Publishing, USA
Heinerman, John, 1996. Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs & Spices. Parker Publishing Co. USA.
Powerful and Unusual Herbs from the Amazon and China, 1993. The World Preservation Society, Inc.
Balch J.F. & Balch, P.A., 1990, Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Avery Publishing Group, USA Dr. Donna Schwontkowski., 1994, 1995. "Herbal Treasures from the Amazon", A series of three articles published in Healthy & Natural Journal 1994, 1995.
Nishimoto, N., et.al., 1988. Constituents of "Brazil ginseng" and some Pfaffia species. Tennen Yuki Kagobutsu Toronkai Keon Yoshishu 10, 17-24 (Japan)Nishimoto, N., et.al., 1988. Three ecdysteroid glycosides from Pfaffia. Phytochemistry, 27(6), 1665-8
Beta-Ecdysone from Pfaffia paniculata, Japanese patent number (84 10,600) Jan. 20, 1984 by Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
De Oliveira, F.G., et.al., Contribution to the pharmacognostic study of Brazilian ginseng Pfaffia paniculata, An. Farm. Chim. 20(1-2)m 361-277 (1980), 261.
Nakai, Shiro, et.al., 1984., Pfaffosides. Part 2. Pfaffosides, nortriterpenoid saponins from Pfaffia paniculata. Phytochemisty 1984, 23(8). 17-3-5
Nishimoto, N. et.al. 1984., Pfaffosides and nortriterpenoid saponins from Pfaffia paniculata., Phytochemistry 1984., 23(1), 139-42.
Takemoto, T., et.al., 1983. Pfaffic acid, a novel nortriterpene from Pfaffia paniculata Kuntze., Tetrahedron Lett. 1983, 24(10), 1057-60
Bruneton, Jean. 1995., Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. Intercept Ltd., Hampshire England
Antitumor pfaffosides from Brazilian carrots. Japanese Patent Number (84 184,198) Oct. 19, 1984 by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Pfaffic acid and its derivatives., Japanese Patent Number (84 10,548) Jan 20, 1984 by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Araujo; Joao T. Brazilian ginseng derivatives for treatment of sickle cell symptomatology U.S. Patent #5,449,516 Sept. 12, 1995
Meybeck , et al., Use of an ecdysteroid for the preparation of cosmetic or dermatological compositions intended, in particular, for strengthening the water barrier function of the skin or for the preparation of a skin cell culture medium, as well as to the compositions U.S. Patent 5,609,873 March 11, 1997
Meybeck , et al., Hydrated lipidic lamellar phases or liposomes based on ecdysteroids U.S Patent 5,198,225 March 30, 1993
Watanabe T, Effects of oral administration of Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) on incidence of spontaneous leukemia in AKR/J mice. Cancer Detect Prev. 2000; 24(2):173-8.
Goodman and Gilman’s, the pharmacological basic of therapeutics, seventh edition, 1985, Amino-acid P.247-250; 487.
http://ift.confex.com/ift/2004/techprogram/paper_22641.htm, Effect of antioxidant flavanone, naringenin, from Citrus junos on neuroprotection
Hume, H.H. 1957. Citrus fruits. The Macmillan Co. New York. pp. 390 – 395.
Ahmad, Muzamil; Saleem, Sofiyan; Ahmad, Abdullah Shafique; Ansari, Mubeen Ahmad; Yousuf, Seema; Hoda, Md Nasrul; Islam, Fakhrul Neuroprotective effects of Withania somnifera on 6-hydroxydopamine induced Parkinsonism in rats Human & Experimental Toxicology, Volume 24, Number 3, March 2005, pp. 137-147(11);
Padmavathi B, Rath PC, Rao AR, Singh RP. Roots of Withania somnifera Inhibit Forestomach and Skin Carcinogenesis in Mice;
Owais M, Sharad KS, Shehbaz A, Saleemuddin M. Antibacterial efficacy of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) an indigenous medicinal plant against experimental murine salmonellosis Phytomedicine. 2005 MAR;12(3):229-35;
Kneuritic Regeneration and Synaptic Reconstruction Induced by Withanolide A., Br J Pharmacol. 2005 Apr; 144(7): 961-71; Electronic Magazine «La lettre du psy », Volume 2, No. 8: August 1998, http://www.herbal-powers.com/ashwagandha1.html
http://www.univers-nature.com/sante-nature/griffonia.html;
Integrative Medicine Communications (Ed). Clinical reference, Herbs - 5-HTP, Onemedicine.com. [Consulted February 18, 2003]. www.onemedicine.com.
Therapeutic Research Faculty (Ed). 5-HTP, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. www.naturaldatabase.com
Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 514-5.
Bone K. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs; Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137–41;
Wagner H, Nörr H, Winterhoff H. Plant adaptogens. Phytomed 1994;1:63–76.
Anabalgan K, Sadique J. Antiinflammatory activity of Withania somnifera. Indian J Exp Biol 1981;19:245–9.
Bhattacharya SK, Kumar A, Ghosal S. Effects of glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera on an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease and perturbed central cholinergic markers of cognition in rats. Phytother Res 1995;9:110–3.
Bone K. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137–41.
Berry, Paul E., Bruce K. Holst, Kay Yatskievych, 1995. Flora of the Venezuelan Guayana, Missouri Botanical Garden.
Gentry, Alwyn, H., 1993. A Feild Guide to the Families and Genera of Woody Plants of Northwest South America, University of Chicago Press, Chicago IL, Record number 0079-00504 Nova Genera et Species Plantarum 542 43. Pl. 140, 142. 1826.
Schultes, R.E., and Raffauf, The Healing Forest. Medicinal and Toxic Plants of the Northwest Amazonia, R.F. Dioscorides Press, 1990.
De Oliveira, Fernando., 1986. "Pfaffia paniculata (Martius) Kuntze - Brazilian ginseng." Rev. Bras. Farmacog. 1(1) 86-92
Schwontkowski, Dr. Donna, 1993. HERBS OF THE AMAZON, Traditional and Common Uses, Science Student BrainTrust Publishin, Utah Hobbs, Christoper, 1996. "Adaptogens - Herbal Gems to Help Us Adapt." Let's Live Magazine.
Anuario Naturista, 1992. Los Productos Naturales, 5th Ed., Mundo Naturista, Quito, Ecuador
Bartram, Thomas. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, 1995. Ed Grace Publishers, Dorset England
Flynn, Rebecca & Roest, Mark., 1995 Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products. One World Press.
Prescott, AZ Lucas, Richard, M., 1991., Miracle Medicine Herbs, Parker Publishing, USA
Heinerman, John, 1996. Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs & Spices. Parker Publishing Co. USA.
Powerful and Unusual Herbs from the Amazon and China, 1993. The World Preservation Society, Inc.
Balch J.F. & Balch, P.A., 1990, Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Avery Publishing Group, USA Dr. Donna Schwontkowski., 1994, 1995. "Herbal Treasures from the Amazon", A series of three articles published in Healthy & Natural Journal 1994, 1995.
Nishimoto, N., et.al., 1988. Constituents of "Brazil ginseng" and some Pfaffia species. Tennen Yuki Kagobutsu Toronkai Keon Yoshishu 10, 17-24 (Japan)Nishimoto, N., et.al., 1988. Three ecdysteroid glycosides from Pfaffia. Phytochemistry, 27(6), 1665-8
Beta-Ecdysone from Pfaffia paniculata, Japanese patent number (84 10,600) Jan. 20, 1984 by Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
De Oliveira, F.G., et.al., Contribution to the pharmacognostic study of Brazilian ginseng Pfaffia paniculata, An. Farm. Chim. 20(1-2)m 361-277 (1980), 261.
Nakai, Shiro, et.al., 1984., Pfaffosides. Part 2. Pfaffosides, nortriterpenoid saponins from Pfaffia paniculata. Phytochemisty 1984, 23(8). 17-3-5
Nishimoto, N. et.al. 1984., Pfaffosides and nortriterpenoid saponins from Pfaffia paniculata., Phytochemistry 1984., 23(1), 139-42.
Takemoto, T., et.al., 1983. Pfaffic acid, a novel nortriterpene from Pfaffia paniculata Kuntze., Tetrahedron Lett. 1983, 24(10), 1057-60
Bruneton, Jean. 1995., Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. Intercept Ltd., Hampshire England
Antitumor pfaffosides from Brazilian carrots. Japanese Patent Number (84 184,198) Oct. 19, 1984 by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Pfaffic acid and its derivatives., Japanese Patent Number (84 10,548) Jan 20, 1984 by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Araujo; Joao T. Brazilian ginseng derivatives for treatment of sickle cell symptomatology U.S. Patent #5,449,516 Sept. 12, 1995
Meybeck , et al., Use of an ecdysteroid for the preparation of cosmetic or dermatological compositions intended, in particular, for strengthening the water barrier function of the skin or for the preparation of a skin cell culture medium, as well as to the compositions U.S. Patent 5,609,873 March 11, 1997
Meybeck , et al., Hydrated lipidic lamellar phases or liposomes based on ecdysteroids U.S Patent 5,198,225 March 30, 1993
Watanabe T, Effects of oral administration of Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) on incidence of spontaneous leukemia in AKR/J mice. Cancer Detect Prev. 2000; 24(2):173-8.
Goodman and Gilman’s, the pharmacological basic of therapeutics, seventh edition, 1985, Amino-acid P.247-250; 487.
http://ift.confex.com/ift/2004/techprogram/paper_22641.htm, Effect of antioxidant flavanone, naringenin, from Citrus junos on neuroprotection
Hume, H.H. 1957. Citrus fruits. The Macmillan Co. New York. pp. 390 – 395.
