Having discussed several methods for stress reduction, today, we'll explore further how to leverage the the body-mind connection to achieve this.
Our senses are the windows through which signals from the external world enter the brain.The processed output impacts both our astral and gross bodies, with the inbuilt mind-body connection. As we saw in a previous post, stress generated in the astral body, in particular the mind, can be reduced or removed by working on the gross body. The chemicals generated by the gross body, trigger many reactions in the gross body, which in turn affects the mind. For example, alcohol produces such effects.
Some methods by which we can provide an external stimulus to relax the mind include, aroma therapy (nose & skin), color (light) therapy (eyes), massage therapy (skin) and sound therapy (ears).
Each of these therapies is an expansive area for study and practice and have been in practice for centuries. Very serious treatments require consultation with highly skilled practitioners but we'll now look day-to-day stress relief can be achieved by simple applications at home.
Aroma therapy is familiar to us, for example, we use inhalers for cold and incense or perfumes. Essential oils diluted suitably and used in special difusers are a great way to produce a calming effect. For soothing effects, try oils like Mandarin, Lavender, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Fennel , Sandalwood, Ylang-ylang, Rose, or Marjoram, Massage therapy using herbal oils are well known in Ayurveda. Soaking in a warm infused with herbal bath oils is an easy way to relax at home.
How aroma affects the senses can differ widely from person to person so, pick your aroma carefully after trying the popular ones. For example, we know how comfort foods reduce stress, the smell of these foods also works like aromatherapy.
Color therapy is another popular way to relax and used in every day life.
Have you noticed how you've suddenly felt comfortable when entering a room painted in a certain color or when you wear certain color clothes? Colors have different effects on different people. The relaxation therapy chooses suitable color schemes to produce pleasing and relaxing effects. Many hospitals and spas use color therapy to make the clients feel relaxed. Here's how color can relax the mind.
External light enters the eyes and generate signals that pass to the brain, where they are processed, to produce multiple reactions in the body and mind. The hypothalamus in the brain sends signals to the pineal gland which controls many rhythms of the body functions. Picking colors that vibe well with your feelings helps, For example, we might feel happier when we wear some colors.
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep. This in smaller quantities, produce a soothing effect, and can reduce stress.The production of Melatonin is sensitive light. Which is why depression, sadness, stress, dullness, etc. are treated using light therapy. In medicine, light therapy is used for a wide range of tumor treatments.
The most familiar example of sound therapy is the pleasing or calming effect of good music. Sounds from nature can help snap one into a relaxed mood. Once again this is an individual choice. Group chanting or singing can produce different effects too. Sounds of various instruments produce different effects and moods. Check how your senses react to various sounds and get a good recording of the ones that relaxes you quickly.
Let's pause here so that you can go explore some aromas, colors and sounds that can relax you. In the post we'll take a look at other avenues like social activities can be great stress relievers.
Our senses are the windows through which signals from the external world enter the brain.The processed output impacts both our astral and gross bodies, with the inbuilt mind-body connection. As we saw in a previous post, stress generated in the astral body, in particular the mind, can be reduced or removed by working on the gross body. The chemicals generated by the gross body, trigger many reactions in the gross body, which in turn affects the mind. For example, alcohol produces such effects.
Some methods by which we can provide an external stimulus to relax the mind include, aroma therapy (nose & skin), color (light) therapy (eyes), massage therapy (skin) and sound therapy (ears).
Each of these therapies is an expansive area for study and practice and have been in practice for centuries. Very serious treatments require consultation with highly skilled practitioners but we'll now look day-to-day stress relief can be achieved by simple applications at home.
How aroma affects the senses can differ widely from person to person so, pick your aroma carefully after trying the popular ones. For example, we know how comfort foods reduce stress, the smell of these foods also works like aromatherapy.
Color therapy is another popular way to relax and used in every day life.
External light enters the eyes and generate signals that pass to the brain, where they are processed, to produce multiple reactions in the body and mind. The hypothalamus in the brain sends signals to the pineal gland which controls many rhythms of the body functions. Picking colors that vibe well with your feelings helps, For example, we might feel happier when we wear some colors.
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep. This in smaller quantities, produce a soothing effect, and can reduce stress.The production of Melatonin is sensitive light. Which is why depression, sadness, stress, dullness, etc. are treated using light therapy. In medicine, light therapy is used for a wide range of tumor treatments.
The most familiar example of sound therapy is the pleasing or calming effect of good music. Sounds from nature can help snap one into a relaxed mood. Once again this is an individual choice. Group chanting or singing can produce different effects too. Sounds of various instruments produce different effects and moods. Check how your senses react to various sounds and get a good recording of the ones that relaxes you quickly.
Let's pause here so that you can go explore some aromas, colors and sounds that can relax you. In the post we'll take a look at other avenues like social activities can be great stress relievers.
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