Emotional Stress = Physical Pain

One of the biggest types of stress that can affect our body that is often forgotten, is emotional or mental stress.  In modern society, it can be so hard to switch off and unload the mental burden from the day.  When we have such a high mental burden and are without the means to deal with it, we can trigger a heightened stress response which can lead to adrenal fatigue and burnout in the long term.  Stress can definitely be a factor in acute situations, and it is also often a factor in chronic and hard-to-resolve conditions.
 
While many people may assume that emotions only reside in the brain, it’s now known that the basis of emotions are formed by different hormones, brain chemicals and other molecules in the body.[1]  This is what we refer to as a physiological response.   One of the techniques we utilise at Sprouting Health is a stress-reduction technique called Neuro Emotional Technique (NET).  NET is used by body-oriented practitioners to help physical problems that have an associated stress component. 
 
There are a range of studies that have shown the benefits of NET on physical pain and also traumatic stress symptoms. One study[2] found that after a short course of NET treatment, pain measurements in a cohort of chronic neck pain sufferers were significantly improved when compared to a control group which received a sham protocol of NET. Chronic neck pain sufferers may benefit from NET treatment in the relief of trigger point sensitivity. Further research including long-term randomised controlled trials for the effect of NET on chronic neck pain, and other chronic pain syndromes are recommended.
 
If you are experiencing any chronic pain or feel that your emotional stress may be taking a toll on your physical body, give us a call and we look forward to seeing if we can help manage your symptoms.


[1] Ruff, M., & Caldera, P. (2019, February 12). Candace Pert & the molecules of emotion: Documentary film overview. Candace Pert, PhD. Retrieved March 13, 2022, from http://candacepert.com/news/candace-pert-the-molecules-of-emotion-documentary-film-overview/

[2] Bablis, P., Pollard, H. & Bonello, R. Neuro Emotional Technique for the treatment of trigger point sensitivity in chronic neck pain sufferers: A controlled clinical trial . Chiropr Man Therap 16, 4 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-16-4