Measuring Stress and Relaxation in the Mind and Body

                High Levels of Stress – 30 to 40 cps

                Moderate Levels of Stress – 18 to 30 cps

                Light Relaxation – 13-17 cps

                Deep Relaxation – 4 to 11 cps

 

Three Primary Physiological Indicators of Stress:

1. Heart Rate      2. Breathing Rate      3. Brain-wave Activity

 

Acute Stress: 26-40 cps

Mind:             Highest beta-wave activity:

                        26-40 cycles per second (cps)

Body:             Erratic heart rate, palpitations, rapid breathing

Symptoms:   Chest tension/pain, agitated nerves, increased risk of heart fatalities;
excess cortisol release causes extra belly fat and love handles

 

Moderate Stress: 18-25cps

Mind:             Moderate beta-wave activity: 18-25cps

Body:             Elevated heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure

Symptoms:    Tight neck and shoulders, headaches, body ache, elevated levels of cortisol
prevent skin from receiving nutrients, causing premature wrinkles

                       

Natural Balance - Homeostasis: 13-17 cps

Mind:             Low beta-wave activity: 13-17 cps

Body:             Natural Balance (equilibrium); heart rate, breathing rate are moderate,
emotions are calm

Symptoms:   Digestion functions normally and proper blood flow to the skin delivers valuable

                        nutrients; breathing is relaxed, the mind is clearly focused

 

Healing Relaxation: 4-12 cps

Mind:             Alpha-wave activity: 4-12 cps

Slower, relaxing alpha-waves bring calmness and a soothing rest for the mind.

Body:             Healing alpha-wave state produces a deep relaxation that soothes the heart,
quiets the nerves, and calms the emotions.

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