The Stress Response

Stressor

Hypothalamus

produces corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)

Sight/sound/smellregistered by amygdala (CNS)

CEREBRAL CORTEX

what we see, hear, think is compared with past experiences and perceived as either pleasurable or negative

HYPOTHALAMUS

- controls homeostasis

- links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland

- controls fight/flight and rest/repair responses

sympathetic nervous system (SNS)

body prepares for fight or flight

SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

'normal' state where stuff has to be done, but not 'stressed'

stimulates adrenal context to secrete cortisol

alerts pituitary gland to release ACTH

instructs the liver & stores to release fasts & protein providing energy in the form of glucose

suppresses the inflammatory & allergic reactions, thereby suppressing the immune response

body is resistant to swelling & illness as it goes into stress, reducing the effects of injury during flight or flight

stress response affects:

cardiovascular

respiratory

muscular

- skeletal

- smooth

digestion

reinforces SNS stress response

adrenal medulla

releases adrenalin

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

(CNS)

moving into SNS

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES

- heart rate & blood pressure increase to pump blood faster to muscles

- breathing increases & bronchial tubes dilate to supply more o2 to blood

- blood vessels of skeletal muscles dilate to increase blood supply

- peripheral vessels to skin constrict diverting blood to muscles & reduces blood loss

- glucose released from liver into blood to provide energy

- pupils dilate to increase field of vision - erector pili contract causing hair to stand

- digestion & urinary functions slow as they are not required for survival

- medulla produces adrenaline & noradrenaline to reinforce

& maintain action of SNS

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

(CNS)

moving into PSNS

touch

stimulates sensory receptors in skin

environment

warm room, nice smell, relaxing sounds, visually calm

cerebral cortex (cerebrum)

If touch interpreted as pleasurable Hypothalamus triggers PSNS activity

alerts pituitary gland to release endorphins

switches on the parasympathetic response

prolonged periods of cortisol production can put the body into a state of 'chronic stress'

Proprioceptors in muscles, tendons & joints provide improved information about body position & movement

if touch & the environment are perceived as pleasurable they can help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)

symptoms of chronic stress

- insomnia

- loss of immunity

- cardio vascular disease

- depression

- osteoporosis & weak muscles

Direct effects of massage

stimulating vagus nerve via abdominal or occipital massage

- kneading/draining relieve chronic muscle tension, manipulate fibres, stimulate circulation & remove lactic acid

- energy holds stimulate shift to PSNS via sensory nerve receptors in skin

- mobilisation increases range of movement & increases synovial fluid to lubricate held joints

Activates SNS

inhibits PSNS

Indirect effects of massage

- lowering blood pressure,

- switching digestive system back on

- relaxing muscles

PSNS reverses physiological effects of SNS

https://www.goconqr.com/en/p/19711144

Adapted from https://www.goconqr.com/en/p/8993274