original source of stress ) excites the hypothalamus in
the brain. This vital organ which controls the autonomic nervous system
activates the pituitary to secrete the stress hormone ( known as ACTH )
which stimulates the secretion of several hormones and steroids
(including the well known, adrenaline or epinephrine). More sugar is
released into the blood & BP is increased as a result of these changes.
According to Selye, stress is unavoidable in life. ( The emotional
centre in the brain, when upset, stimulates the oxintic cells to secrete
more hydrochloric acid in the stomach which leads to hyperacidity.)
When it goes beyond a certain tolerance level ( which varies from
person to person ) the system breaks down resulting in illness.
To the scientific picture of body-mind interrelationship given above,
certain new concepts were added. One was the idea that if negative
emotions could cause illness, positive emotions can cause “wellness”.
The attention of medical experts & the imagination of the public was
captured by this innovative idea when Normal Cousins, editor of
Saturday Review, published a convincing account of his recovery
from a debilitating & incurable disease of the connective tissue.
The patient’s understanding of the disease & his active participation
in the recovery process was highlighted by his case.
The most difficult and controversial aspect of holistic health is another
idea that by creating proper awareness within himself man could
exercise a certain degree of