It is valuable to compare the physical response of pain in the body to the relaxation response of the body. (Kroeger 1987)
STRESSFUL RESPONSE
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RELAXATION RESPONSE
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| The stressful situation activates two systems: |
The relaxation response produces the opposite effects. |
System 1
hypothalamus to anterior pituitary to adrenal cortex
- adrenal cortex produces steroids
- inactivates lymphoid tissues
- stimulates glucose production
- irritates G.I. tract lining
- stimulates kidney to produce renin
|
System 1
hypothalamus to anterior pituitary to adrenal cortex
- adrenal cortex is deactivated
- decreases steroid production (syntoxic)
|
System 2
hypothalamus to sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, sympathetic nerve endings secrete norepinephrine and epinephrine
- adrenal medulla produces epinephrine
- increases
- blood pressure
- heart rate
- blood glucose
- blood cholesterol
- respiration
- irritates G.I. tract
- decreases salivation
- dilates pupils
|
System 2
hypothalamus to sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system
- deactivates sympathetic system
- decreases
- epinephrine production
- blood pressure
- blood glucose
- activates parasympathetic system
- constricts pupils
- increases salivation
- decreases respiration
- decreases heart activities
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