How does Sign Chi Do combat the effects of stress?
The practice of Sign Chi Do stimulates the autonomic nervous system to release certain chemicals called neuropeptides that affect the body and begin the relaxation process. Serotonin is known as the “feel good” chemical. It has a profound effect on mood and anxiety. High levels of serotonin result in serenity and optimism and have been known to improve sleep. Endorphins are morphine-like substances found naturally in the body. They promote a sensation of calmness. The main function of this chemical is that it helps to reduce pain and stress. Sign Chi Do has been found to increase endorphin levels, thereby enhancing overall health and wellness.
Acute Stress
Acute stress is the most common and most recognizable form of stress. It occurs and you know exactly why you are stressed. For example, you run out of gas, or receive an alarming phone call. Because the effects are short-term, acute stress usually does not cause severe or permanent damage to the body.
Recurrent Stress
Recurrent stress is when acute stress occurs on a regular basis. Life seems chaotic, out of control, and stressful. You may be prone to recurrent stress and not even know it. Often it is viewed as temporary and sounds like this…”I just have a million things going on right now,” or “things are always crazy around here.” Unfortunately, recurrent stress is so habitual that most people resist changing until they suffer severe physical symptoms.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is stress that wears you down day after day and year after year with no visible escape. It affects both your physical and emotional state of health. Examples include financial instability, long term unemployment, ongoing war, etc. The most dangerous thing about chronic stress is that you get so used to it that you actually become addicted to it and do not make any effort to change the situation. It ALWAYS leads to chronic medical problems.
Traumatic Stress
Severe stress reactions can result from a catastrophic event or intense experience such as a natural disaster, sexual assault or life-threatening accident. After the initial shock of the event, many people begin to recover-but for some the body never recovers. It can lead to what is termed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
