Samuel F. Getty D.C  Stress, Breathing Self Help Pages

Stress, tension, anxiety are common elements of today's society. Physical responses in stress are mediated by hormones and neurotransmitters that prepare the body for "flight or fight". An opposing set of hormones and neurotransmitters are responsible in preparing the body for a "rest/digest" state. In less sentient creatures the "fight or flight" response is short term and the animal returns to a resting state, the flight or fight hormones dissipate, and the "rest/digest" hormones and neurotransmitters return to dominance. In the thinking human being stress can be conceptualized and small amounts of the "flight or fight" chemicals are released through out the day as we think about our stressors. This dominance of the "flight or fight" chemicals overides the "rest/digest" chemicals and results in poor digestive system function. The high level of "flight or fight" chemicals leads to increased muscle tension, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, and increased blood pressure. A multitude of chronic conditions are influenced by stress. Monitoring the speed, duration, and site of breathing can help to restore balance between the "flight or fight" response and "rest/digest" response.