MODULE 2: LEI 3723L: RT Facilitation

Techniques & Modalities

PHYSIOLOGY OF Lab
Yoga & Stress

STRESS
Management
 WHY DOES IT MATTER?
It is important to know HOW the
body functions when using
therapeutic techniques to alleviate
stress.
PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY: Suggests
that there is a relationship between
the mind and body and supports the
theory that many diseases and
illnesses are psychosomatic
(meaning their origins lie in the
higher brain centers).
 SYSTEMS OF THE BODY
INVOLVED WITH STRESS
NERVO
US
SYSTE
M
ENDOCRI IMMUN
NE E
SYSTEM SYSTE
 NERVOUS SYSTEMS
1) Central Nervous System:
(Brain/Spinal Cord)

2) Peripheral Nervous System:

(Movement/Sensation)
PERIPHERAL NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Somatic Autonomic
Nervous Nervous
System System
Transmits Visceral (involuntary)
Sensory activities and vital
Messages organs
 AUTONOMIC NERVOUS
SYSTEM
SYMPATHETIC PARA-
SYMPATHETIC

Stress Relaxation Response

Response (Rest or Digest)
(Fight or Flight)
 NERVOUS
SYSTEMS
Central Peripheral (PNS)
(CNS)
Somatic Autonomic
Nervous Nervous
System System
Sympathetic Para
Nervous -Sympathetic
System Nervous
 SYMPATHETIC PARA-
SYMPATHETIC

Stress Relaxation Response

Response (Rest or Digest)
(Fight or Flight)
Increase heart- Reduction of heart-rate
rate Reduction in breath-rate
Dilation of pupils Decrease in muscle
Increased tension
breathing Systems return to
Decreased homeostasis
OUR ANS DURING STRESS
HEALTHY
RESPONSE

Sympathe Para-
tic Sympathetic
OUR ANS AFTER STRESS
HEALTHY
RESPONSE

Sympathe Para-
tic Sympathetic
STRESS DISORDERS
FIRING ALL THE
TIME

Sympathe Para-
tic Sympathetic
 SYSTEMS OF THE BODY
INVOLVED WITH STRESS
NERVO
US
SYSTE
M
ENDOCRI IMMUN
NE E
SYSTEM SYSTE
 ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Consists of a series of glands located throughout the body that
regulate metabolic functions. Consists of 4 components:
1. GLANDS: Manufacture & release biochemical substances called
hormones
2. HORMONES: Chemical messengers that are programmed to
attached to specific cells to change metabolism
3. CIRCULATION: Transportation of hormones through the
bloodstream to target organs
4. ORGANS: Target organs are the heart, skeletal muscles and arteries
 ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
GLANDS produce HORMONES that CIRCULATE to target ORGANS
 ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
GLANDS most closely associated with stress:

ADRENAL GLAND: Most direct

impact on the stress response

Produces hormones called

CORTICOSTEROIDS

Cortisol & Cortisone

 SYSTEMS OF THE BODY
INVOLVED WITH STRESS
NERVO
US
SYSTE
M
ENDOCRI IMMUN
NE E
SYSTEM SYSTE
 IMMUNE SYSTEM
The immune system is a defense system (comprised of biological
structures and processes) that protect the body again disease.

Important component within the Immune System:

WHITE BLOOD CELLS (Leukocytes)

Recent studies have linked INCREASE CORTISOL with

SUPPRESSION OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
IMMUNE SYSTEM
CORTISOL

WHITE BLOOD CELLS

LIKELIHOOD OF ILLNESS & DISEASE

 STRESS DISORDERS
WHAT CAN WE DO?

Re-train the nervous system to better

response to stress
Strength training for the nervous system
HOW DO WE DO
THIS?
Through various exercises that will be
introduced during this class