CAUSES OF BODY STRESS There are three main groups of stressors that can give rise to Body Stress. Examples of these are shown below, although these are not exhaustive:- 1. Emotional / Mental Stress Factors e.g. Financial worries, Family or work relationships Anxiety, Depression, Resentment. 2. Mechanical Stress Factors e.g. Bumps, jerks and falls A car accident, A severe fall, Lifting a heavy object incorrectly Habitually sitting incorrectly i.e. bad posture 3. Chemical Stress Factors e.g. Pollutants in the air, Insecticides and Certain food additives and preservatives. Harmful chemicals may be consumed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin contact. EFFECTS OF BODY STRESS ON THE BODY When the point of stress overload is reached, the physical tensions becomes "locked" into the body and it takes protective measures by means of automatic reflexes these cause muscles adjacent, and overlying, the area concerned to tighten or splint. In time, stiffness of these muscles may become noticeable, ultimately leading to postural distortion. It may also lead to loss of flexibility, pain or numbness. A person with body stress may also feel tense, tired and lacking in energy and enthusiasm for life. Headaches, backache and indigestion may follow. It is also possible for the body stress to be present without the individual feeling any pain or stiffness although they will be aware of "not feeling quite right". WHO NEEDS BODY STRESS RELEASE Body Stress Release is a gentle technique that is suitable for anyone whether sick or healthy regardless of their age e.g. Infants - may have under gone a difficult birth Toddlers - difficult to settle or get to sleep. Children - have had a bad fall whilst playing Teenagers - experiencing anxiety about exams or choosing a career. Young adults - Who are involved in sports and have recurring problems with "tight" muscles or have noticed a decline in their physical performance. Adults - feel "tired all the time" and have frequent aches, pains or headaches or are feeling "stressed" because of a workplace or family situation. Elderly - having reduced mobility because of loss of flexibility and "old age" aches and pains. WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN BODY STRESS RELEASE HELP? Body Stress Release is for everyone, from infants to the elderly. Usually people are looking for relief from pain, stiffness or other discomfort. Whilst Body Stress Release is not a diagnosis or treatment of any specific condition, many of the following complaints would benefit from some 'releases'. Musculo-skeletal complaints: back and neck ache, hip pain, slipped discs, poor posture, repetitive strain injury, sports' injuries, arthritis, frozen shoulders, headaches and migraines, whiplash; Respiratory conditions: hay fever, asthma, recurring colds, sinusitis, catarrh; Gastro-intestinal: heartburn, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea; Gynaecological disorders: menstrual problems, infertility, menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes; Emotional problems: stress, insomnia, depression, anxiety, general fatigue; Nervous system: neuralgia, facial paralysis; Skin disorders: psoriasis, eczema; Childhood conditions: colic in babies, poor posture and growing pains in children Body Stress Release also has a broader objective. It is also concerned with assisting 'wellness' and many people can benefit from having an occasional 'release' to maintain health.