In our world today we are hard pressed to go through our day without being bombarded with some kind of stress. Although stress is necessary,
too much negative stress is very detrimental to our health. I differentiate hear between positive and negative stress because it is the stress of life that triggers our mind and body to take action. Without these triggers our body's systems would not be and could not work together. Looking at how this works we find another instance where one of the martial arts favorite symbols has a profound significance!
Yin-Yang |
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Yin - Yang, the balance of all things. |
In the context of this discussion, the balance between positive and negative stress in our lives. Yes, I say balance because both are needed for our bodies to function at an optimal level. Some might ask, if negative stress is so bad then shouldn't we try to eliminate it from our lives. This would be nice except for the fact that it is the existence and amount of negative stress that prompts many of our bodies systems into action.
One of the major grouping of actions that our body uses that you may be aware of is what is known as, "The fight or flight response". This group of actions is put into play when we perceive a situation as being
a threat. I say perceive here because it is the way that we look at the given set of circumstances that triggers our response. When we perceive something as a threat then our body gets ready to either "fight" or "flee".
At that time the body secretes certain hormones that affect the body in predictable ways. One is Epinephrine and another is Cortisol. In doing this certain actions are started into motion.
- Increased heart rate
- Increased respiratory rate
- Immune system activates
- Pupils dilate
- Increase in Blood Glucose level
- Increased muscle tension.
These are all good and necessary if the situation warrants. That
is ones own preservation! The systems operation serves a function that is necessary, but when the situation is resolved it lets the body go into another system, "relaxation"! This system helps restore the homeostasis or balance in the body. That word "balance" - it's everywhere!
What happens if we keep getting bombarded with problems in our everyday lives? Does anyone ever have that happen? Well, if you're anything like me I think you know the answer! Yes!! Let's look at what happens when that "fight or flight" system is forced to work overtime.
Let's for times sake, focus today on one of the hormones secreted during times of stress, Cortisol.
Cortisol is in charge of glucose metabolism, regulation of blood pressure and immune system functions. Prolonged stress keeps Cortisol levels high. This also keeps all the side effects of that at an abnormal
level. This is detrimental to the body! Increased blood glucose levels leads to diabetes and the myriad of problems that come with it.
For now let's just focus on the increased Cortisol level and problems.
It has been shown that when these levels remain elevated for a prolonged period many different things can and will happen.
- Impaired cognitive performance
- Suppressed thyroid function
- Hyperglycemia
- Decreased bone density
- Decrease in muscle tissue
- Elevated blood pressure
- Lowered Immune levels
- Increased abdominal fat
- Increased LDL (bad) Cholesterol
- Decreased HDL (good) Cholesterol
It is easy to see from this list that it is not good for our bodies! The balance is not there. We need to eliminate the harmful effects. This is where we need to bring our training and knowledge into play.
Meditation is our best countermeasure for the stress we fight every day. It is good for us in many ways. The obvious calming of our minds is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
Meditation has been shown to trigger the body into the function of the "relaxation" system. As I said, this system works to bring all the body functions back to a normal balance. When it accomplishes its job our
body is back in an environment where it can flourish. I'm sure that this is something that everyone wants, but not something many people think that they have so much control over.
The importance of taking the time for ourself is greater now than ever. Giving ourselves the choice to take control of the course of our health is important. If I may paraphrase here, "I am what I am because I choose to be!" This says it all! We, for our own sake, should choose to take the path that will be in our own best interest!
The type of meditation that we choose is not as important as the fact that we do it!
As long as the quality of the time spent meditating is good, the type is not of major importance. Don't get caught up in the pitfalls of "it has to be this position or this time of day". The important thing is to do it!
There are many positions and types of Meditative practice. I am not going to cast any aspersions that say one is the better or the best. They all strive to achieve the same result, they just use different approaches. Some use sound to cause certain vibrations, some use colors, others holding certain positions. All are good it is just the belief and viewpoint that changes.
Personally, I like to come home after a hard day at work and meditate to calm myself before bed. I go into my room and turn off the lights. I get comfortable in a chair and put some of my favorite music
on. I close my eyes and take the tip of my tongue and gently place it on the roof of my mouth just behind my teeth. This helps to connect the Governing and Conception Vessel meridians. I breathe in through the nose allowing my abdomen to expand, (diaphragmatic breathing) and exhale through the mouth. Once I start I focus on taking in all the good energy with each breath and feeling all of the days stress and negative feelings going out with each exhale. As my body relaxes I just let it go. It finds its own rhythm and place. I'm in a place where the only thing that is, is me!
When I am finished I am so relaxed that some times it takes a while for me to be able to move. There is no more tension or stress, just peace! This is, after all, one of the many reasons that I started training. Over many years and after a few bumps and bruises I am starting to understand some of the things we are taught.
I remember on one occasion being told "We all make choices in life, and we have to live with the consequences of those choices!" This is so true.
Knowing that it is within your reach to improve your health, my question to you is: What is your Choice?
HEALTH
Also note that when we breathe we are not just taking in air, we are taking in the energy from the universe around us. This energy from the universe around us is an essential part of our being. It is this energy (chi) that couples with the energy within our body to sustain and nourish us. LIFE!
I have read that according to Chinese medical theories that the skin is regarded as a third lung. If this is true, then our skin is doing this also!
Has anyone ever had the sensation while meditating that feels like air coming and going everywhere? Your arms, legs, hands, everywhere! I know that I have and when I did it a very strange feeling. It felt like the air no longer was going in and out of my lungs. I could not feel them fillin; and emptying though I "knew" that they had to! I'm not so sure anymore. All I do know for sure is, I didn't suffocate and when I was finished I was more relaxed and rested than ever before!
Our body and mind have the tools needed to heal and correct many of the health problems that attack us. Our job is to give it what it needs to do so! This brings us back to the beginning. Life is a cycle, high and low, light and dark, positive and negative. As in the Yin - Yang symbol, each has the seed of the other. Ever changing back and forth in a harmonious rhythm. Go with it! Feel the Power.