The legendary benefits of green tea--weight loss, cancer prevention, immune system boosting, and more--have put green tea on everyone's top ten superfoods list. Now the teacup's relaxation effect has been proven in the lab.An amino acid called theanine (or L-theanine) is responsible for green tea's magic. First discovered in 1949, theanine is found almost exclusively in tea leaves. (It's also found in one type of mushroom--but who wants to relax with a plate of mushrooms?) (It's also found in one type of mushroom--but who wants to relax with a plate of mushrooms?)
A person with post traumatic stress disorder may re-live the traumatic events, having flashbacks or other reminders and images that intrude on their waking hours, or in dreams and nightmares. These reminders may also trigger physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or chills. Or emotional problems, like anxiety, depression, and dread.People with post traumatic stress disorder may avoid any reminders of the trauma, whether that is people associated with the experience, or places, or even thoughts of the trauma. They can distance themselves from family and friends, and withdraw from everyday activities and things they used to enjoy.
Relationship problems are common for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Some survivors avoid intimacy, others avoid sex, and some avoid both, and create patterns in their lives where those coping mechanisms are maintained. But sufferers of PTSD who did not experience any sexual abuse can also have problems in their relationships, or in social situations.Another characteristic of post traumatic stress disorder is being on guard all the time, and suddenly feeling anger or irritability. There can be problems with sleeping and concentrating, and sufferers may be startled easily. Self destructive behaviours, such as gambling, risky sex, drug use, alcohol abuse, or other problems like dangerous driving, may be present. Depression, disassociation, or other mental health problems can develop.
At the same time, theanine increases the GABA levels in your brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is linked to dopamine and serotonin levels. This complicated-sounding chemical cocktail results in a relaxation effect. And what's more, theanine also lowers your blood pressure. Well, OK, the blood pressure part is only proven in rats. But testing continues.
So if you're stressed and anxious, relax with a few cups of green tea. You should begin to feel relaxed and alert in about half an hour. Theanine won't make you drowsy, but if it happens to be bedtime, studies have also shown you'll sleep better and awake more refreshed. By the way, if you're already relaxed when you start, it doesn't matter how much theanine you get-you won't get any more relaxed.
One of the advantages of Reiki is that it complements other forms of treatment. Reiki is often administered to lessen the side effects and symptoms that have been brought about by a person's illness.
Cognitive therapy helps in the process of understanding how our thoughts affect our feelings, and provides ways of shifting negative thinking. Negative thinking can perpetuate a mental prison where joy and interconnectedness is no longer felt. Changing those dynamics can provide a new framework with which to process the trauma, and allow healing to occur.In anxiety management, skills are learnt that help one cope better with the symptoms and triggers of post traumatic stress disorder. They can help reduce the intensity of the symptoms, though they need to be practised to be effective. Anxiety management techniques can be very helpful in controlling anxiety whilst doing exposure therapy. Some techniques used include relaxation, breathing techniques, assertiveness training, and positive thinking and self talk.References:1. ptsdalliance.org/about_what.html2. ptsd.factsforhealth.org/whatmeds.html3. nimh.nih.gov/publicat/anxiety.cfm
Article Written By Alexandra Williams
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