How Stress is Recorded in the Body
This is a 2 part series since the topic is so extensive. This first part will discuss where and how stress is recorded in our body. The second part will address what preventative measures we can take to manage our stress levels. When we experience stress there will inevitably be a reaction in our body to the stress. The brain records any bodily pain and the emotion attached to it at the same time. Our conscience can record an event in 2/200th of a second. The brain passes on any excess stress/emotions to the organs for this is how our body unloads any excess psychological burden. Negative emotional shocks such as fear, tension, stress, and anger all transit through the brain. Since, the organs and brain share nerve centers and have hormonal connections, the organs become receptacles for our emotions. We don’t think of our organs as having a close connection to our brains or as potential receptacles for our emotions. However, if we look at the medical definition of emotion it is- an intense or painful psychological reaction that powerfully affects numerous organs.
Also, if we think about some of our expressions we often say, it makes complete sense.
“Stop, your bellyaching”
“This gives me heartburn”
“I have a gut feeling”
Like a shock wave, stress resonates in different parts of our body. Everyone has an organ or body part that is their weak link and becomes the main target for their residue of stress. This is the organ that is most receptive and vulnerable to stress. The specific organ may be designated the weak link due to a genetic predisposition or to a certain lifestyle. Every organ has its own emotional specificity but it can’t claim sole dominion over a category of emotions.
Here are some examples
The liver is sensitive to everything pertaining to the unity of our being, to our deepest self.
The spleen and pancreas are particularly vulnerable during intense, intolerable emotional states that occur from external events such as accidental deaths or trauma.
The breasts in women tend to react to family problems and to a lack of stability and affection.
In men, the stomach tends to reflect their social life; it stores the tensions that arise from conflicts with others.
The lungs are where grief is stored.
What organ do you think is your weak link? What can you do to prevent any symptoms or disorders in your weak link? Please keep an eye out for the next blog that will discuss ways to proactively manage your stress levels.