Endorphins
Endorphins are chemicals that our body releases when it is in pain or is under stress. These chemicals help in reducing emotional distress, relieving pain, and offering a sense of well-being. These chemicals interact with receptors in the brain that help in lessening our perception of pain.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It plays a crucial role in reproduction, childbirth, and childcare. It is also involved in broader social behavior and cognition. Often called the “love hormone” due to its pair-bonding, it reinforces attachment between mother-infant as well as adult romantic relationships.
Conscious Relaxation
Conscious relaxation involves becoming conscious of your mind and body and then relaxing them by “letting go”. In this state, you are experiencing the release of tension without distraction in the mind.
Relaxation Response
This is a state of deep rest that allows you to change your body's response to stressful situations, both external and internal. It is an inborn mechanism and is vital for reducing the negative effects of psychological, emotional, and physical wear and tear on our bodies and minds.
Chakras
Chakras refer to various energy centers that correlate to specific internal organs and nerve bundles in the body. The 7 major chakras run from the top of your head to the base of your spine. A high-stress environment, trauma, loss, may create blockages in energy flow that may manifest into anxiety and worry. One way to stabilize or unblock these imbalanced chakras is by partaking in somatic interventions to promote holistic healing and well-being.
Root Chakra (Muladhara)
The root chakra represents our foundation. It is located in the base of our spine, in the tailbone area. When the root chakra is open we feel secure in embracing challenges on our own two feet. When blocked, we feel unstable as though our grounding is shaky.
Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana)
The Sacral Chakra helps inform how we relate to the emotion of others and our own. It also governs creativity and sexual energy. Those with a blocked sacral chakra could experience a lack of control in their lives. Located in our lower abdomen, 2 inches below the navel.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
The Solar Plexus Chakra speaks on your self-confidence, self-work, and self-efficacy. If your solar plexus chakra is blocked, you might feel overwhelming amounts of shame and self-doubt. Those with an open solar plexus chakra are free to express their true selves. Located in your upper abdomen.
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
The heart Chakra is the bridge between the lower chakras (linked to maternity) and upper chakras (linked to spirituality). This chakra influences our ability to receive and give love. Someone with a blocked Anahata will struggle to fully open up to the people in their life. If someone's Anahata is open, they can experience deep compassion and empathy. Located in the center of the chest.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
The Throat Chakra gives voice to the heart chakra and controls our ability to communicate our personal power. Someone with a blocked throat chakra will feel like they have trouble finding the words to say how they truly feel.
Third-Eye Chakra (Ajna)
The Third-Eye Chakra controls our ability to see the big picture, seek and impart wisdom, imagine, and connect to our intuition. Often called the eye of the soul. Located in the forehead between both eyes.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
The Crown Chakra is the highest chakra, sitting at the crown of the head and represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. When you fully open your crown chakra—you're able to access higher consciousness. Located at the very top of the head.