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. 2009 May;92(5):47-50.

Mind-body medicine: a model of the comparative clinical impact of the acute stress and relaxation responses

Jeffery A Dusek  1 , Herbert Benson
Affiliations

Mind-body medicine: a model of the comparative clinical impact of the acute stress and relaxation responses

Jeffery A Dusek et al. Minn Med. 2009 May.

Abstract

Although the physiological and biochemical changes that occur during the acute stress response have been well-characterized, the contrasting changes that underlie the relaxation response evoked by various mind-body techniques are less understood. To help guide future mind-body research, we present a conceptual model that integrates patterns of change at the physiological and molecular levels. In addition, we point to future research opportunities and discuss how repeated elicitation of these responses could influence the health of patients.

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Figures

Figure
Figure. Comparative Impact of the Acute Stress and Relaxation Responses: Central and Peripheral Nervous System Activities
Using blood pressure as an example, we show how acute stress and relaxation responses alter hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and sympatho-adreno-medullary (SAM) axis activities. These responses introduce contrasting hormonal and signal molecule changes that in turn influence clinically significant conditions such as high blood pressure. Epi = epinephrine Ne = norepinephrine SAM axis is the adrenal medulla to Ne and Epi Cort = cortisol NO = nitric oxide HPA axis is the adrenal cortex to Cort
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