Andi Harman

Composition 110

Dr. Will Phillips

November 9, 2010

The Alternative to Stress Reduction

Andi Harman

Composition 110

Dr. Will Phillips

November 9, 2010

The Alternative to Stress Reduction

How do you handle your stress? Many researchers have looked for different approaches

to relieving stress in patients. There is a debate about whether yoga, as a form of alternative

medicine, will be beneficial. Is it healthier? It would be the best treatment for stress because

there are many risks to using prescription drugs for stress reduction. Contemporary options have

various inconveniences. The choice of yoga as an alternative medicine for stress reduction is

proving to be more beneficial to one’s health.

To choose treatment, we must first understand what we’re dealing with. According to

Robert Sapolsky, stress is the brain’s reaction to emergencies. He claims that the brain releases

chemicals, such as adrenaline, in excess. They flow through the body in the bloodstream to its

many glands and then travel to the organs and muscles (Serber). Arriving at the muscles, they

begin to build up causing contractions of the muscle. “The brain must think and understand that

it (the emergency) is over or the cycle continues, becoming a hindrance to health” (Serber). This

is the physical pain that many who say they feel when they are stressed. Because of this stress,

people have learned to deal with the tensing of muscles. For example, the clenched jaw or tight

shoulder may be something to which you are accustomed. “Those tensions are the results of
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chronic stress responses” (Olsen 314). As the situation progresses, patients tend to seek

contemporary help. Many contemporary treatments of stress are harmful to the body over time.

A majority of prescription medications given today have numerous side effects that can

cause permanent damage if taken over an extended period of time. Two common prescribed

medications are benzodiazepines and buspirone. Both of these are given strictly for short term

use and even then offer side effects such as drowsiness, lethargy and rapid heartbeat. They can

also cause a certain type of headache called a “tension-type headache (TTH).” It is caused by

fluctuations in circulation and muscle tensions in the face and scalp (Life Positive). Over a

period of time, these medications can also lead to dependency and even fatality. Another drug,

called a sedative, leads to “inhibited nervous system activity”. This, in higher dosages and

depending on actual chemical imbalance, can cause “slurred speech, poor judgment, weak

reflexes and impaired walking ability” (Medication Strategies).

Prescription drugs are costly in both physical and financial aspects. Inconveniences are

apparent when it comes to contemporary medicine. Most prescriptions cost outrageous amounts

of money. The doctor’s office visit alone can empty the wallet of the average person. Then, a

referral is in order to see a specialist and a wait is in order while the situation progresses. Along

with the drug co-pays and various other expenses, one is forced to drive and take time out of

their schedule to wait in line to fill the prescription. With medication come many things that are

not helpful in the least. Yoga doesn’t involve any of this.

Yoga is a very convenient type of treatment. For those with a hectic schedule and tight

budget, it is easy to control where and when it is performed. The only thing that is necessary is
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an open space and some type of instruction. There are no bills included unless a physical is

needed to approve participation. A yoga session can occur in as little as five minutes. The only

monetary commitment is that of an instructional DVD. With yoga, there are no side effects either

when done correctly. There is no need for drugs or any harmful remedies to be taken. It can also

be done by persons of any age; however, some may not be able to do it because of personal

health issues.

While many are against the use of alternative medicine, yoga is proving to be a great way

to relieve stress for most. “Yoga, which derives its name from the word, “yoke”- to bring

together- does just that, bringing together the mind, body and spirit” (“Yoga for Stress

Reduction”). It doesn’t involve as many risks, costs, or inconveniences. Although it does not

always prove to cure, it should be looked at as the first approach. It offers many benefits and

studies have shown this.

K. N. Udupa performed studies in which stressed patients were offered yoga sessions at

no cost to them. Out of 1007 cases, he stated: “The patients of high blood pressure, diabetes and

asthma, who came to us at an early stage, showed very good improvement. Those who came

later, their drug requirement was considerably reduced after starting yogic practice.” (Serber). He

later explains that these diseases were caused by or related to over-bearing stress. Also, the

studies are showing that if the patient is willing to participate instead of being prescribed to, the

outcome has greater benefits. The attitude is a major part of the patient’s progression (Serber).

The benefits of yoga for stress reduction are numerous. First of all, yoga is considered

exercise. It releases endorphins and improves flexibility. It is a natural form of stress relief in that
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fact alone. The body is able to stretch with more efficiency. “Coordinated breathing with

movement increases the capacity of muscles to stretch” (Olsen 314). The tensed muscles are

stretched and relieved through the motions and poses that yoga offers. This allows even further

relaxation.

Psychologically, it is a huge help with personal control and relaxation. The body learns

to control itself eventually. Roger Cole states: “Repeated practice of relaxation techniques

improves their effectiveness by reducing novelty, increasing physical and psychological comfort

and creating conditioned relaxation responses in the nervous system.” (Serber). Having multiple

sessions of yoga allows the body to get accustomed to a calm environment and trains the body to

block out the stimuli causing the stress. The brain then learns to relax, therefore, cutting off the

excess chemicals being produced. Meditation is taught for this reason. According to Kenneth

Fox, the most beneficial thing from yoga is the power to control what is happening (Serber).

Yoga is the perfect alternative treatment for stress patients. Prescription drugs can be

addictive and have nasty consequences. There are no side effects from yoga when done properly.

It is also more convenient and efficient than contemporary forms of medicine as well. Studies

have shown that yoga has many great benefits for stress patients. When it comes to stress

reduction, yoga should be the first treatment offered to patients.

 Works Cited

• “Drugs for Depression”. Life Positive. 3 Nov. 2010

<http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/psychology/stress/drugs-for-depression.asp>

• “Medication Strategies for Stress Relief”. 3 Nov. 2010

<http://www.sociatropin.com/blog/stress-relief/>

• Olsen, Kristin. The Encyclopedia of Alternative Healthcare. Simon and Schuster.

1990. p 312-320.

• Serber, Ellen. “Yoga and the Stress Response”. 3 Nov. 2010

<http://www.will-harris.com/yoga/yoga and stress.html>

• “Yoga for Stress Reduction”. 2005. 3 Nov. 2010

<http://stress.about.com/od/tensiontamers/p/profileyoga.html>