1. Initiation of the relaxation response
When the predominance of autonomic nervous system activity is sympathetic
the human system is working, expending energy and breaking down tissue. This
is associated with the action phase of metabolism, and referred to as
catabolic. This is associated, in it's extreme, with the "fight or flight
response" with increased heart rate, breath rate and blood pressure. It is
also called the stress state and has been associated with adrenal exhaustion
and collapse (56).
This state, when overactive and not balanced to homeostasis by ample
parasympathetic activity, contributes to the production of positively
charged hydrogen ions. As mentioned in an earlier section on free radicals
these hydrogen ions bind with oxygen. This can cause a net oxygen deficit
and a general acid ph in the internal environment. Biological stress is
conducive to the proliferation of a number of diseases or syndromes
including hypertension, pain, depression, immune deficiency and
inflammation.(57)
The opposite aspect of autonomic activity, parasympathetic, is a phase of
rest and tissue regeneration. It is associated with the conservative phase
of metabolism, anabolic. In its extreme this state is associated with the
"relaxation response" (RR)(57), characterized by decreased heart and breath
rate and a lowering of blood pressure. This is also associated with the
resting phase of the basic resting activity cycle (BRAC).(58) Conscious
deactivation of the sympathetic function with the activation of certain
parasympathetic features of autonomic activity can neutralize the negative
effects of "fight or flight" overactivity. The primary steps to initiate
this state are deep, slow breathing coupled with the intention to relax.(57)
These are the identical initiating steps for the practice of Qigong and
Yoga. The literature alludes liberally to traditional Asian health
maintenance practices as the historic source of techniques for generating
the relaxation response(RR) and the typical biofeedback response(3).
With the addition of gentle movement and stretching extra oxygen is demanded
from the blood, which may help to reduce the presence of hydrogen ions and
initiate a swing toward a more anabolic level of activity. This may help to
produce a less acid internal environment and a net greater availability of
free oxygen with increased energy productivity and tissue regeneration.
Controlled, deep, slow breathing accompanied with the intention to relax
initiates the RR and the resting phase of the BRAC, which are
para-sympathetic/anabolic/alkaline responses, generally recognized as
healing and regenerative. Increased oxygen to hydrogen ion ratio is also
recognized as conducive to healing and regeneration.
