“Knowing your level of stress drives an herbal-based action plan for recovery of stress and anxiety.”
Stress can lead to various levels of anxiety and can manifest due to a number of factors. For more context, refer to the previous blogs: StressWorks I , StressWorks II and StressWorks III.
In StressWorks II, we provided the opportunity to complete the Perceived Stress Scale. Understanding your stress level is crucial in developing a targeted plan to help you overcome anxiety-based issues.
If you’re unsure of your stress level, consider taking a moment to answer the Perceived Stress Scale questions. Simply email us at solutionfocusedhealth@gmail.com with the subject line “StressWorks II Scale” to receive the assessment. Your stress level will help determine which type of adrenal-based herbal therapy is most appropriate, ensuring accuracy and safety.
Stress and the Adrenal System
- The adrenal glands are the body’s primary “stress glands,” producing hormones in response to various stimuli perceived by the brain through senses such as sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. These glands also receive hormonal messages from the brain to communicate with other organs and glands.
- These chemical messages travel through the nervous system (neurochemistry), creating an “electro-circuit” between the body and brain. This communication loop contributes to stress responses, symptoms, feelings, and behaviors.
- This “electro-circuit” may become compromised due to nutrient deficiencies, toxin overload, or environmental exposures, all of which can increase overtaxed adrenal glands, helping them recover from prolonged stress.
Basic Principles of Herbal Medicine
- Herbal medicine, also known as Phyto (plant-based) Medicinal or botanical medicine, involves using plant-based substances for healing.
- Understanding how to safely and effectively use herbal remedies is crucial for achieving desired health benefits while minimizing risks.
- Effective use of herbal medicine requires a deep understanding of the plant’s components and how they interact with the body-mind system.
- Symptoms are often indicators of deeper imbalances. Addressing these root causes is essential for the full effectiveness of herbal remedies.
- Botanical medicine works by addressing imbalances at the core level, nourishing glands and organs, and bringing all health patterns across the body-mind system into harmony and balance.
- For optimal outcomes, botanical medicines should be used in combination with other health-promoting actions, as outlined below.*
Understanding Your Perceived Stress Levels and Use For Targeted Adrenal Support
Low Level: You may feel anxious but can work through it, it may come and go with fatigue trailing behind.
- Consider: Adrenal Tonic I
Moderate Level: Involves more intense feelings where you become fidgety or restless, with difficulty focusing on anything other than the fear or trigger.
- Consider: Adrenal Tonic II
High Level: Typically includes panic, difficulty taking deep breaths, rapid heartbeat, and extreme difficulty focusing, which may lead to avoidance of responsibilities.
- Consider: Adrenal Tonic III
For more information on specific tonics, their properties, and how to obtain them, email us at solutionfocusedhealth@gmail.com with the subject line “Adrenal Tonic.”
Two Distinct Systems for Using Botanical Medicine
- Specific Prescribing: This method is used for acute issues, aiming to provide immediate relief of symptoms. It typically involves higher doses for a shorter period.
- Tonic Prescribing: This approach involves using herbal remedies at lower doses over a longer period (4-6 months) to nourish body processes and energy systems. During treatment, there are intervals where the herbs are paused to allow their effects to integrate into the body’s physiology and bioenergy fields.
Basic Action Steps for All Stress Levels
- Nutrition and Diet: Stress often leads to cravings for carbohydrates and simple sugars due to heightened anxiety, which increases metabolic rates and creates a need for quick energy sources (sugars). To reduce these cravings, incorporate healthy fats and oils into your daily diet. These additions help stabilize blood sugar, promote satiety, and support brain health.
- Mind-Body Practices: Techniques like meditation, slow breathing (4-5 seconds per breath), yoga, creative visualization, and acupuncture can help regulate energy levels and support overall mental and physical health.
- Herbal Medicine: Using a blended formula specifically targeting adrenal health can nourish and support these glands during times of stress.
- Melatonin: The body produces melatonin, which has calming effects. Stress can cause fluctuations in melatonin levels. Taking melatonin supplements during the day and before bed can help regulate biorhythms and promote calmness. Talk this over with your health practitioner before it’s use.
- Rest and Recovery: Aim for 7-8 hours of sustained sleep each night to help your body recover from the effects of stress on neurochemistry.
- Movement and Exercise: Start with stretching and daily walking for at least 30 minutes. Incorporating cardio and resistance training is excellent for promoting balance between body and mind. Exercise according to your tolerance level.
- Nature: Spending time in nature has a calming effect. Practice deep breathing while being mindful of the sights and smells around you. Use this time to reframe negative thoughts into positive ones.
- Routine and Structure: Having a routine reduces the fear of the unknown, creating a framework to control your environment, workload, and expectations, which helps minimize overload.
- Social Support: Connecting with others provides emotional support and relief. Reaching out to trusted individuals can offer a “psychological breather.”
To learn more about taking control of your health, request a free coaching call. Email: solutionfocusedhealth@gmail.com and write “Free Call” in the subject line.