The "Fight or Flight" Reaction or the "Sympathetic Stress" Reaction
Also known as alarm reaction or stress reaction, the fight or flight/sympathetic stress reaction occurs in the body when it's faced by a sudden, unexpected threat or source of stress. The name of this reaction comes from the fact that an animal experiencing this reaction almost immediately decides to fight or to run. In this reaction there is a sudden release of the stress-hormones epinephrine and nor-epinephrine (adrenaline and nor-adrenaline), which increase the blood flow to the muscles, increase arterial blood pressure, improve muscle strength and mental ability, as well as increase blood glucose concentration. Through these actions the body prepares for a confrontation or a fast escape. The same reaction occurs in the body under any stressfull situations. The body responds to stress by sending signals through the sympathetic nerves telling the adrenal glands to begin pumping the two stress hormones, epinephrine and nor-epinephrine.
A little stress can give the body extra energy to enhance performance and escape danger. Prolonged and cumulative stress on the other hand, has an extremely weakening effect on the whole body. It disrupts the ability to fight infections, disease and recovery from injury and illness. It may also have a damaging effect to key areas of the body such as the brain, the heart, digestive system and the joints. Only 15 minutes of Autogenic Training a day reverse the damaging effects of stress!
The Brainwave States
In order to fully understand how the brain contributes to a person's state of mind and level of consciousness, it is significantly important to be aware of the various brainwave states through which our brain consistently cycles.
Our brain does not operate in only one brainwave state at a time, but instead pulses in several brainwave states simultaneously throughout the day and night, with one of the states being dominant at any given time. The dominant state indicates our "state of mind" or level of consciousness. Because different areas of the brain may have different activities at any given time, we may have activity in one brainwave state in one area of the brain while at the same time a different brainwave state may be more active in another area of the brain. Each of these brainwave states occurs in a specific frequency range.
- The Beta state is our "awakened" state of mind and ranges from 40Hz to 13Hz.
- The Alpha state is where we dream and access our subconscious mind and ranges from 12Hz to 8Hz.
- The Theta state represents a state of deep relaxation and ranges from 8Hz to 4Hz.
- The Delta state represents a state of deepest dreamless sleep and ranges from 4Hz to 1Hz.
It is a normal function that we are unable to access the subconscious mind at will while the brain functions on a highly alert Beta level. Access to the subconscious mind is only granted while the brain functions in a relaxed Alpha, Theta or Delta state. We might all be most aware of our subconscious mind through our dreams, which occur in the Alpha state.
Through the regular use of Autogenic Training the student learns to guide the brain deliberately into different brainwave states and access the subconscious mind at will while wide awake, in order to work on personal matters. This enables the student to find his/her hidden beliefs and to replace them with more accurate and positive suggestions, allowing him/her to strengthen the self-esteem, enhance the mind's performance and open up an infinite potential for major life-changes.
The Beta State
The Beta brainwave state is associated with a heightened state of alertness and focused concentration. When the mind is actively engaged in mental activities, the dominant state will be Beta. A person in active conversation, playing sports or making a presentation would be in a Beta state. The Beta brainwave state corresponds to frequencies range from 13Hz to 40Hz.
The Alpha State
Alpha brainwaves are slower in frequency than Beta brainwaves and represent a state of relaxed mental awareness or reflection. Alpha brainwave states are typically associated with contemplation, visualization, problem solving and accessing deeper levels of creativity and the subconscious mind. The use of the Autogenic Training enables a student to deliberately shift the mind from the alert Beta state into a relaxed Alpha state at will in order to work on personal matters. The Alpha brainwave state corresponds to frequencies ranging from 8Hz to 12Hz.
The Theta state
Theta brainwaves are even slower in frequency and represent a state of deep relaxation and meditation, enhanced creativity, stress relief, light sleep and dreaming. Theta brainwave states have been used in meditation for centuries. Research has proven 30 minutes a day of Theta meditation can dramatically improve a person's overall health and well-being. Theta meditation has also been known to cause the need for less sleep. The Theta brainwave state corresponds to frequencies ranging from 4Hz to 8Hz.
The Delta state
Delta brainwaves are the slowest in frequency and represent a state of deep dreamless sleep. Delta brainwave states have long been associated with healing. While Delta brainwave states usually only occur in deep sleep, it is possible to train yourself to remain awake while reaching the Delta state to experience even deeper levels of meditation and awareness. The Delta brainwave state corresponds to frequencies from 1Hz to 4Hz.
Access Your Subconcious And Change Your Life Forever!
Through the regular use of Autogenic Training the student will eventually be able to guide the brain into different brainwave states and access the subconscious mind at will in order to work on personal matters. This will dramatically enhance the mind's performance and open up an infinite potential.
By accessing the subconscious mind, it becomes possible to find hidden and transparent belief systems which might have detrimental impact on the present. By finding those hidden belief systems and understanding better what happens and how patterns of behaviour and feelings are created, it then becomes possible to transform those "beliefs" which affect us in our life.
The Autogenic Training
With the Autogenic Training you can guide your brain into any of the brainwaves states naturally and effortlessly simply by repeating the six Autogenic Formulas. Not even a tape recorder or a CD player is needed. Once the technique has been mastered in practice sessions, it can be applied at will in any situation of stress or difficulty.
With a little patience and 15 minutes of daily practice, everyone can learn the ancient art of self-relaxation and the ability to control the mind at any given time and moment.
Live your life deliberately -- it's the only one you've got!
Take Action Now!
Ready to make a positive change in your life or at work? Looking for reinforcement in achieving your goals? Not sure if a life coach is for you? Please contact me, Coach Regina, for an absolutely free consultation.
Phone: 321-246-7066 | e-mail: regina@mypersonalitycoach.com