We have already seen how our body responds in the 'fight or
flight'mode.
While relaxing, the exactly opposite physiological changes take place in the
body.
As mentioned before, two branches of the autonomic nervous system is
responsible for the changes. When the relaxation response sets in, the
sympathetic branch slows down and the parasympathetic branch take over- the body
and mind calm down, metabolic rate of the body slows down. Now our body requires
only a very low maintaining energy, similar to the low metabolic rate seen in
deep sleep.
Our breathing becomes more regular and the heart rate comes down to normal
range. In the sustained state of relaxation, oxygen requirement of our body
tissues falls down even lower than that during normal sleep. The blood lactate
level also falls significantly, three times faster during meditative relaxation
than normal restful state. (Lactate is the chemical that enters the blood
through the metabolic activity of the skeletal muscles and is responsible for
the muscular fatigue). Blood pressure is also brought down to pre-stress levels.
It is easy to see that the relaxation response allows the body to recover from
the strains of everyday stress.
The alteration in brain activities brought about by relaxation mode is still
more interesting. Usually our brain emits four types of waves, each with its own
rhythms:
- Alpha waves: Prominent when the mind is active, but in a relaxed state.
- Beta waves: This is seen during everyday conscious rhythms
- Delta waves: Emitted during normal sleep
- Theta waves: Emitted during a dream like state; subconscious mind active.
When you go into the fully relaxed mode a predominance of alpha and theta
waves are manufactured, signifying that your mind is alert, yet relaxed. These
waves appear as soon as the body starts to relax, increasing in frequency as
the relaxation state enters into a deeper level, thus allowing concentrated,
clear and constructive thinking pattern in our mind.
During prolonged periods of relaxation, our body will also secrete
protective mood altering neurotransmitters. One of these, known as serotonin,
is a powerful hormone associated with feelings of happiness, contentment and
relaxation. Recent research points many a depressive state to a deficiency in
this hormone in the body.
Special
Stressors....