Here is a simple technique to use when we feel overloaded, nervous, or irritable. When we experience stress, whether it is emotionally or physically generated, our bodies go through a series of biochemical changes that vary in intensity depending on the severity of the stress or trauma. By gently putting our hand lightly over our forehead, and focussing on our breathing for a few minutes, we can begin to regain a sense of calmness. We naturally do this when we put one hand over the forehead when feeling stressed. It is a useful tool to use consciously when feeling overloaded emotionally or nervous such as just prior to an exam.
The science behind ESR
Stress activates the fight or flight mechanism, which immediately reduces blood flow to our frontal cortex*, the site of all processing of new information and reprocessing of old patterns. ‘For evolutionary survival purposes, these brainstem-limbic reactions are programmed in just to rerun previous emotional and behavioural patterns because they had survival value. These reactions are not responses chosen by our consciousness. There is no choice involved, as brainstem-limbic processing is both subconscious and reactive to stimuli that triggers the fight or flight response.’ Ref. Charles Krebs, Energetic Kinesiology, Principles and Practice, chapter 36 How does this work? In the early 1930’s Dr Terence Bennett discovered reflexes that appeared to influence blood supply to different organs in the body when they were held lightly. Thus when holding ESR reflex points on the forehead, by just placing our hand over our forehead, blood supply is improved to the frontal cortex. ESR is covered in more depth as part of Touch for Health training (see website for information on courses). This includes how to help family and friends when they are experiencing anxiety.
*The frontal cortex is located at the front of the brain, behind the forehead.
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