Stress Management - IntroductionAcupuncturist Damon Lee

What is stress?
The Continuum of Change
Maintaining Equilibrium
Treatment of Stress		 Stress Management in the Chinese Concept
What are Spiritual Toxins?
The Personal Foundation Development

What is stress??

Stress is an event or change that makes an individual uncomfortable. Anxiety is a noticeable increase or change in behaviour- a non-directed expenditure of energy (e.g. increased pacing, finger drumming, wringing of the hands, staring, etc.)

"Stress" according to...

Physicists:

A force, stress or pressure implying exposure to excessive demands or environmental conditions that cause emotional upset and tension.

Psychologists:

Anything that alters the psychological homeostatic process.

Anthropologists:

Stress is adversity; coercion between people, or between the environment and humans, or between history and humankind.

Endocrinologists:

Stress as the non-specific response of the body to any demand made on it.

 

and "Stressors" are...

the events of environmental agents responsible for initiating the stress response.

Endogenous Stressor:

Arises from within the body.

Exogenous Stressor:

Arises from outside the body.


Types of Stressors:

Physical:

pains & aches, illness, hunger

Psychological:

mental illness, emotional disturbances

Sociological:

problems arising from the workplace, job, relationships or family

 

The Stress Response:

The nature of the stress response depends on:
1. The properties of the stress.
2. The conditioning of the individual (i.e. genetic predisposition, age, sex, health conditions, environmental agents, treatments, certain drugs, dietary factors, etc.)

Specific Response:

Alerts an individual to the pressure of the stressors, then re-establishes and maintains normality.

Non-specific Response:

A neuroendocrine response (i.e. autonomic neuron activity).

The Continuum of Changes (Events)

Extremity

Intensity increase toward
Positivity (Yang)

Equilibrium

Intensity increases toward
Negativity (Yin)

Extremity

 

Normal Range

Crisis Psychosis Death Accidents Wars Social Problems

    Hope
    Peace
    Motivated
    Contented
    Well-being
    Positivity
    Improvement
    Affirmation
    Enjoys Life
    Reformation
    Good Spirit
    Opportunity
    Adaptability
    Constructive
    Modification
    Satisfaction
    High Performance
    Increased Power
    Increased Energy
    More Achievements

      Norm
      Right
      Rules
      Level
      Order
      Centre
      Normal
      Health
      Balance
      Regular
      Control
      Standard
      Fairness
      Ordinary
      Security
      Attainment
      Homeostatic
      Satisfaction
      Manageability
      In Boundaries

    Denial
    Failure
    Tension
    Violence
    Negativity
    Drug Use
    Absenteeism
    Loss of Interest
    Social Function Deterioration
    Excessive use of Mechanisms
    Physical Discomfort
    Lack Motivation
    Alcohol Abuse
    More Aggression
    Abnormal Behaviour
    Moral Deterioration

Crisis
Psychosis
Death
Accidents
Wars Social
Problems

How Our Bodies Maintain Equilibrium

Physical Factors

Psychological Factors
  • Adaptation: the unique and most suitable manner, that is, to identify the environment or habitats in order to achieve a way of life that is most suitable, such as air conditioning, central heating, new technology.
  • Body's internal environment: examples are fluid environments, pH changes, milieu interue, etc.
  • Homeostasis: a system of carefully coordinated physiological processes that oppose change
  • Central systems: these include genetics, vital centres, nervous systems

  • Social elements: mental health, knowledge of social stressors such as relationships, marriage, communication, parenting, career and the work environment

Treatment of Stress- Non-pharmacological Methods:

1. Biofeedback
2. Relaxation
3. Imagery- to achieve relaxation
4. Exercises
5. Social support groups

6. Debriefing
7. Counselling
8. Develop hobbies and general interests
9. Workshops
10. Dieting
 

Stress Management in the Chinese Concept

1. Personal Foundation Development

2. With the best knowledge of one's self and of others (from events and stress) one will surely succeed.

(a) Know yourself well. (write your traits down)
    • Personality (positive and negative aspects)
    • Education, training
    • Assets (financial, health condition, support, resources, time, etc.)
    • Planning
    • Expectations of the best and worst outcomes
    • Carry out strategies step by step

(b) Know others (events/stressors) well (write them down)
    • Causes of stressors (participating factors)
    • Intensity of the stressors (acute, progressing, chronic)
    • Level of damaging effects towards:
      1. physical health
      2. psychological aspects
      3. financial aspects
      4. social aspects

(Key) Every change or event has a meaning. It may be:
    • Warning signs of crisis development
    • Motivators
    • Stimulation of growth
    • Lessons
    • Signs of improvement
    • Spiritual growth
    • Appreciation of life
    • Encouragement of intellectual thinkings
    • Communications of other areas

Understanding the meaning of an event can help us to plan and accept the changes, be prepared to face the consequences, etc.

 

What are Spiritual Toxins?

1. Greediness: uncontrollable wanting of wealth, power, love, enjoyment; never satisfied with present conditions

Alternative: let go, be content with the present, medium profile

2. Anger: fast mood changes; cannot accept others

Alternative: be generous, accept the fact that nobody is perfect. Put yourself into somebody else's shoes.

3. Obsession: very subjective; difficult to change

Alternative: awakening and letting go

4. Prejudice and Excessive Pride

Alternative: be humble and open minded.

5. Suspicious Ideation

Alternative: build up confidence and trust, know your true self.

 

How do the Spiritual Toxins affect our lives and personalities?

The five spiritual toxins are temptations which change our behaviours. When we use other alternatives, we change our ways of thinking, and change our souls. We know how to accept and treat ourselves with honesty. We utilize our intelligence to fulfill our goals, destiny, morals and spiritual needs. A peaceful soul will not be affected by fears, worries and crisis.


The Personal Foundation Development

The most powerful motivator is "Belief."
Belief is the core and root of life.
Belief is the direction of life.
Belief affects the wealth and success of life.
Belief brings hope, energy, responsibility, happiness and a sense of content.
Belief is the goal of life.

A happy, positive, successful and enriched personality is the best tool to deal with stress.