Stress is More Than a Feeling
You've often heard the phrase "I feel stressed", and most of us know exactly what is meant. We feel overwhelmed and out of control. Often we experience physical symptoms like an upset stomach, headache, fatigue and...cold hands. It's the Sympathetic branch of the Autonomic Nervous System that helps prepare the body to meet emergencies by "fight or flight." In an effort to meet the energy and strength requirements of an emergency, our digestion slows down, our muscles tighten, and we expend energy and the blood vessels near the skin contract.
Some of my patients swear they are not feeling stressed when they experience stress related symptoms. Then I ask, "How much sleep are you getting? What have you been eating? Have you been sick in the last few months?" Ah, here's the culprit--biological stress.
Biofeedback training accomplishes two very important tasks for Raynaud's sufferers. First, it helps them train to vasodilate their peripheral blood vessels so their hands can stay nice and warm. Second, it teaches them to reduce the impact of stress so their blood vessels will be less likely to constrict in the first place! Warm heart; warm hands...what a perfect match!
Professional Help
If you suffer from Raynaud's disease, ask your doctor whether you are a possible candidate for biofeedback treatment, or contact Dr. DeBease at the BioNeuroFeedback Treatment Center in Bala Cynwyd, PA.
Dr. DeBease is a certified biofeedback therapist and a medical psychologist, practicing in the Philadelphia area, working to improve the quality of our community's lives...without the use of medication!
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