This stress CD is a different format than our other guided imagery cds. It is instructional and experiential, offering short segments that teach specific stress management techniques. It goes very well with any of the guided imagery CDs we offer.

Stress... it’s a word we can all relate to, an experience most of us know only too well, a topic that is too important to avoid even though there is a wealth of information on the subject.

So why would it benefit you to listen to another talk about stress? Because there are solutions!!

It’s no secret that stress can not only exacerbate but also trigger illness and disease. The renown radiation oncologist O. Carl Simonton who introduced the power of healing imagery to the oncological surgeon, Bernie Siegel also author of the book, Love, Medicine and Miracles, is quoted as saying that "most illness in this country is the result of emotional distress."

Distress, that negative branch of stress, can have damaging effects on us physiologically, emotionally, and spiritually. Stress is associated with many diseases such as coronary heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, peptic ulcers, pain syndromes, headaches, infections, allergies, arthritis, and cancer, to name a few.

Eustress, or positive stress, can motivate us to embrace challenges and embark on a journey of change. Often this difference is a subtle one that depends on our cognitive assessment and on our intentional response.

My purpose of creating this guided imagery cd is to share recent scientific information, to increase awareness of the consequences that untreated stress can have in your life, to offer practical tools to deal with those pervasive stressors, and to encourage intentional responses to stress as opposed to automatic reactions.

The stress response, as coined by the Canadian physiologist Hans Selye, during his 2nd year of medical school, is initiated by activation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. This 1st response is also called the fight/flight/freeze response, named by the American physiologist, Walter Canon. It is often described as the primitive and natural response the body undergoes when there is perceived danger, such as running away from a saber-toothed tiger. After assessment of danger by the processing and decoding function of the neocortex, the following miraculous pathway is mapped: the locus coereleus is activated and the mind is oriented to impending danger and threat. Action originating from the limbic system provides the emotions of fear and anger. The news of danger that has emotional consequences is transmitted to the

The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is (begin drum beats) activated, releasing the catecholamine epinephrine and nor epinephrine, and activating rapid release of these chemicals into the bloodstream, at the same time, the hypothalamus, (dramatic music) the way station between the central nervous system and the rest of the body is activated. The CRH released from the hypothalamus signals the neighboring anterior pituitary to release ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) within 15 seconds. This hormone stimulates the adrenal glands to release various chemicals such as adrenalin, aldososterone and cortisol. This evokes many adaptive responses in the heart, lungs, liver, brain and muscles. The hormones then cause a cascade of responses that are important for our survival in the case of approaching danger. Blood is diverted from the periphery- to the brain and deep muscles, so we can think and run fast. The pupils dilate as vision and hearing become more acute. Our hands and feet perspire as sweat gland activity increases in case we need to hold on to a tree branch. The blood pressure is elevated, the heart rate is speeded up. Our breathing becomes rapid, and oxygen consumption increases so we can run run run. And the emotions that would help us fight, flight or freeze are present, namely anger or fear. Glucose is released from the liver, insulin production is decreased, intestinal secretions decrease as well as sexual arousal.

This is a healthy response in the face of a real danger, but when unchecked and habitual, chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to long term physiological dysregulation such as cardiac arrhythmias, chronic headaches, digestive disorders, backaches, chronic muscular tension and pain, sleep disorders, depression and chronic anxiety to name a few. The circulating cortisol and other hormones can cause harm to the body mind and can be associated with a suppressed immune system.

Emotional and physiological arousal follow stress in an automatic way once danger is perceived. But what actually causes the stress response is our belief that negative consequences will follow an event. If true negative events are occurring, there are still options for handling these events without self-induced harm to the body/mind. There is also the option of changing beliefs, assumptions, and habitual ways of thinking and reacting that may contribute to the experience of stress, which will be discussed in the section on cognitive rejuvenation.

What are the benefits of practicing relaxation and meditation techniques?

Among the many restorative, rejuvenate and healing effects of the following practices include, lowering of the blood pressure, lowering and regularization of the heart rate, relaxation of the muscles, slowing of the respiration rate, cleansing of lactate acid from the muscles, enhanced functioning of the immune system, and increased production of alpha brain waves, which are associated with states of peace, relaxation and harmony.

It is a given that regular exercise plus good nutrition supports our system and can provide some of the best strategies for promoting hardiness. In addition to healthy lifestyle choices, I introduce some very specific and effective methods for coping with stress.

"Ellen, these are the best CD's I have ever heard. I had a panic attack at 3 am the other night and I used your Stress Solutions CD and the panic attack went away in less than 20 minutes! I now am sleeping well. I am happy and accepting of my life. One can tell what kind of person you are by hearing you and seeing your picture. I am so glad we have met; you have positively changed my life."

-Rosemary Cockrill

"First I want to tell you how wonderful the Stress Solution' CD is. Your voice is absolutely calming and creates an atmosphere of safety where you can let go and practice the breath and Meditation work. The music couldn't be more perfect as could you. You are making more than a worthy contribution to help the world become a better place. Thank you for being a brilliant beacon of light and may you continue to enjoy Gods Abundance."

-D.T.