Natural Stress-Reducers
Adapted from Healthy Beauty by Letha Hadady
A Harvard Public Health study reported September, 2006 by Associated Press,
found a link between where you live, your race, income--and (Are you ready
for this?) your life expectancy. According to that government-funded study,
Americans who live longest are Asian-American women living in Bergen
County, New Jersey. Their impressive longevity (normally 91 years old!) is
due neither to the climate nor to lack of pollution. Many are Asian-born
grandmothers whose homes have been purchased by their children.
found a link between where you live, your race, income--and (Are you ready
for this?) your life expectancy. According to that government-funded study,
Americans who live longest are Asian-American women living in Bergen
County, New Jersey. Their impressive longevity (normally 91 years old!) is
due neither to the climate nor to lack of pollution. Many are Asian-born
grandmothers whose homes have been purchased by their children.
They live a traditional Asian lifestyle: They eat a traditional Asian diet low in
protein and fat, exercise regularly, neither smoke nor drink alcohol, and
follow a scheduled health routine that includes weekly meetings, playing
ma-jong, with friends. Lack of financial stress and regular health habits
reduces stress. That should be obvious.
According to Dr. Christopher Murray of the Harvard School of Public
Health, "Millions of the worst-off Americans have life expectancies typical of
developing countries. Whereas, Asian-American women can expect to live
13 years longer than low-income black women in the rural South." He says
that's like comparing women in wealthy Japan to those in poverty-ridden
Nicaragua.
Here is why I am interested in this study: Faced with eminent danger our
body reacts immediately: Our heart rate increases to supply oxygen to the
heart, lungs, and muscles. Blood pressure increases as circulation is
redirected. Blood coagulability increases to protect against excess bleeding.
Protection against shock leaves the skin clammy, shivering, and
goose-fleshed. That naturally conserves body heat. We begin to sweat. With
breathing accelerated and pupils dilated, the body tenses as adrenalin,
noradrenalin, and hormonal support rushes to the rescue. We are ready to
spring into action.
But what happens when we live under constant stresses such as financial
and/or health worries? The same signs of anxiety appear but on a subtle level.
Stress ages us and robs us of our beauty.
No matter what the cause of your stress, your body remains genetically
programmed to react as though you never heard of yoga. By defining our
sources of stress, they become more manageable. You can take a deep breath
and say to yourself, “It’s just that old fight or flight syndrome making me feel
panic.” Then use whatever works for you---meditation, prayer, or visualizing
a safe situation so that you can move forward. Here are some natural,
rejuvenating herbal treatments that, used regularly, can help to moderate your
over-the-top fight or flight reactions.
Well-chosen Asian herbs, western healthfood store products, East Indian, Latin
American, or African herbs can work wonders regardless of your national origin.
Herbs, because they are absorbed like foods, most often work as catalysts to
stimulate necessary physical reactions such as digestion, respiration, and the
elimination of toxins. That reduces the wear and tear of stress.