Reflexology is acknowledged as a wonderful source of relaxation for people trapped in a stressful existence. If you yourself have ever felt stressed, you may recognize that the experience is often accompanied by irritability and grouchiness, forgetfulness and a lack of interest in doing anything. Researchers at the Brain Institute in Switzerland wondered why and recently set out to find the chemical link between chronic stress, loss of social skills and cognitive impairment.
The study revealed a cascade of events within the body beginning with a massive release of a molecule called glutamate. Glutamate acts on the brain receptors known as NMDA. NMDA receptors are essential to what is called “synaptic plasticity”, the chemical process that makes it possible for us to learn and retain information and experiences.
In turn, the NMDA receptors activate certain enzymes that damage yet another enzyme (Nectin-3). Once damaged, Nectin-3 becomes unable to modulate synaptic plasticity, which leads to loss of sociability, the avoidance of interpersonal interaction and impaired memory and/or understanding.
It seems that science is proving more and more how much damage stress does to the body. Let your community know it’s more than “just feeling stressed.” Explain to them that the chemical reactions taking place in their brains are responsible for the personality changes they are experiencing. Offer reflexology as a way to reduce stress. Offer lots of relaxation techniques and focus on the reflexes to the central nervous system, solar plexus and adrenal glands.
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