Today I'd like to talk about the adrenal glands. What are they? What do they do? And Why do you want to talk about those?
Firstly, many people who come and see me for reflexology seem to have imbalanced adrenal gland reflexes. That is, the texture under the skin in that reflex area feels different. Sometimes it will feel like a little air-bubble that "pops" or it may feel as though there are some salt crystals under the skin. That area may feel warm or cold to the touch, sometimes on one side and maybe sometimes both. It just feels different to the rest of your skin/foot texture.
When I mention that area at the end of your treatment, many don't know what they are or what they do. So.... here it is....
The adrenal glands are part of the hormonal/endocrine and the sympathetic nervous systems and are responsible for releasing hormones called Cortisol, Epinephrine (Adrenaline) and Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline). They sit on top of the kidneys and are triangular and about 4cm long and 3cm thick.
The Stress Response
A stressor is any effect on the body, internal or external that disturbs homeostasis (natural balance of the body). They can be major or minor, physical or psychological, and include things like trauma, exercise, surgery, disease, emotional states, fasting and sleep deprivation.
Short-term responses
The "fight or flight" responses are immediate. This is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. So, adrenaline is released into the blood during the stimulation of the stressor on the body and has the following effects:
increased heart rate
increased blood pressure
increasing metabolic rates
dilating the pupils
relaxes the bladder
diverting blood to essential organs (such as the heart, brain and skeletal muscles) by dilating the blood vessels
constricting blood to lesser essential organs and glands (such as the skin and thyroid)
Inhibits digestion and intestine activity
So, read those last two points again... constricts blood flow to non essential organs and glands and inhibits digestion and intestine activity. These hormones direct all normal functions to de-prioritise anything that is not necessary to overcome the stressor that is in front of you. All functions of digestion, immunity, thyroid productions are put temporarily on hold or slows until the stress has passed.
We already read about the connection between the adrenal gland and the thyroid is (HERE), so we can also relate that to any other organ and body part that is not essential to escape.
Long-term responses
Now, imagine if your "stressor" is emotion tension at your workplace. You are constantly going in to work everyday with your "fight or flight' mode (sympathetic nervous system) switched on. For years. Imagine what that is doing or has already done to your body. Your digestion is not functioning properly, your heart rate is continually elevated.
These are the long term responses for continual stressors:
sleep and waking patterns are disturbed
metabolism is effected
suppression of immune responses
increased salt and water retention
high blood glucose levels
decreased inflammatory response
skin and hair problems
mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and personality disorders
Reflexology is an amazing way to rebalance our adrenal glands and we can also try to combat the chronic stressors in our lives by following a few of the following tips:
Intentional Breathing: we all breathe in and out automatically but in doing so intentionally we can increase the oxygen intake that is supplied to our blood and increase the carbon dioxide expelled from our bodies. On the inhale our heart rate accelerates, and on the exhale it slows down. This heart rate information is sent directly to the brain, which plays a part in regulating the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, when we engage in a regular pattern of inhalation and exhalation, we help to establish a balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activation.
Be Active: Exercise won't make your stress disappear, but it will reduce some of the emotional intensity that you're feeling, clearing your thoughts and letting you deal with your problems more calmly.
Take Control: There's a solution to any problem. "If you remain passive, thinking, 'I can't do anything about my problem', your stress will get worse," says Professor Cooper.
"That feeling of loss of control is one of the main causes of stress and lack of wellbeing."
The act of taking control is in itself empowering, and it's a crucial part of finding a solution that satisfies you and not someone else.
Connect with People: A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way.
"If you don't connect with people, you won't have support to turn to when you need help.
The activities we do with friends help us relax. We often have a good laugh with them, which is an excellent stress reliever. Talking things through with a friend will also help you find solutions to your problems," says Professor Cooper.
Also, according to Dr Michael Mosley, women release endorphins by getting together with friends for a catch up.
Have some "Me Time": Here in the UK, we work the longest hours in Europe, meaning we often don't spend enough time doing things we really enjoy.
"We all need to take some time for socialising, relaxation or exercise," says Professor Cooper.
He recommends setting aside a couple of nights a week for some quality "me time" away from work.
"By earmarking those 2 days, it means you won't be tempted to work overtime," he says.
Try to be positive: Look for the positives in life, and things for which you're grateful.
"People don't always appreciate what they have," says Professor Cooper. "Try to be glass half full instead of glass half empty," he says.
Try writing down 3 things that went well, or for which you're grateful, at the end of every day.
*Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health expert at the University of Lancaster. Tips are taken from the NHS website. You can also download some stress-busting apps recommended by the NHS HERE.
You can book in for a reflexology stress buster session for 60 minutes £45 by calling/texting 07546 706 490 or via my online booking system CLICK HERE
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