Chapter 4. Stress and Disease

Are messenger hormones produced in the brain and other organs of the body that fit into the receptor sites of lymphocytes.

to refer casually or indirectly; make an allusion (usually followed by to):He often alluded to his poverty.

It is a series of layers of energy that surround and permeate the physical body. This kind of abstract energy is thought to be associated with layers of consciousness constituting the human energy field. Subtle energy is composed of matter that appears different (less dense) than that of the physical body

Also called energy anatomy, subtle anatomy comprises the human energy field (aura), the chakra system, and the meridian system of energetic pathways that supply energy (also known as chi or prana) to the organs and physiological systems with which they connect.Close

It is a term used to describe the collaboration of subtle energy (chakras, meridians, and the human energy field) with psychological issues and trauma involving certain aspects of stress. In her collaborative book with Norm Shealy, The Creation of Health, author Caroline Myss states that the majority of disease and illness results from an overload of unresolved emotional, psychological, and spiritual crises.Close

The first chakra is commonly known as the root chakra. It is located at the base of the spine and is associated with issues related to safety and security.Health problems such as, lower-back pain, sciatica, rectal difficulties, and some cancers (prostate) are thought to correspond to disturbances with the root chakra.

Common symptoms associated with this chakra may include menstrual difficulties, infertility, vaginal infections, lower-back pain, slipped disks, and bladder and urinary infections, to name a few.

The third chakra is located in the upper stomach region and is also known as the solar plexus chakra. The third chakra is associated with self-confidence, self-respect, and empowerment.Blockages to this chakra are thought to be related to ulcers, cancerous tumors, diabetes, hepatitis, anorexia, bulimia, and all stomach-related problems.

The fourth chakra is known as the heart chakra and it is considered to be one of the most important energy centers of the body. The heart chakra represents the ability to express love and other intense feelings.Other organs that are associated with the heart chakra include the lungs, breasts, and esophagus. Also, an important association exists between the heart chakra and the thymus gland.Symptoms of a blocked heart chakra can include heart attacks, enlarged heart, asthma, allergies, lung cancer, and bronchial difficulties.

The fifth chakra lies above and is connected to the throat. Organs associated with the throat chakra are the thyroid, parathyroid glands, mouth, vocal chords, and trachea. The throat chakra represents the development of personal expression, creativity, purpose in life, and willpower.Blockage of energy to the throat chakra might result in chronic sore throat problems, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD), throat and mouth cancers, stiffness in the neck area, thyroid dysfunction, migraines, and cancerous tumors in the throat.

The sixth chakra is more commonly known as the brow chakra or the third eye. Directly tied to the pituitary and pineal gland, this chakra feeds energy to the brain for information processing.As per Gerber, the diseases caused by dysfunction of the brow chakra include: brain tumors, hemorrhages, blood clots, blindness, comas, depression, and schizophrenia.

The seventh chakra, also known as the crown chakra, is associated with matters of the soul and spiritual quest. When the crown chakra is open and fully functioning, it is known to access the highest level of consciousness. The Judeo-Christian culture specifically identifies this particular chakra as the quintessential halo over saintly beings.Although no specific disease or illness may be associated with the crown chakra, in truth, every disease has a spiritual significance.

The shoelace tip ends of chromosomes that measure a cell's age.

A term coined from Franz Alexander's tern organ neurosis, used to describe a host of physical illnesses or diseases caused by the mind and unresolved emotional issues.

The study of the effects of stress on disease; treats the mind, central nervous system, and immune system as on interrelated unit.

Increased sensitivity to perceived threats resulting from heightened neural (sympathetic) responses speeding up the metabolic rate of one or more organs.

An immune system wherein various functions are suppressed; now believed to be affected by emotional negativity.

Immune system cells that are housed throughout the lymphatic system, with 2 percent in circulation at any one time.

The family of cells that constitute the major component of the immune system.

Best known as the cells that attack and destroy tumorous cells by releasing cytokines.

Also known as CD4, these cells help in the production of antibodies released by T-cells

Also known as CD8, these cells decrease the production of antibodies, thus keeping a healthy balance of T-cells.

Large lymphocytes that can detect endogenous antigens, thus helping to destroy mutant cells.

Another term for cancerous tumors

Diseases that occur because of an overactive immune system, which "attacks the body."  Examples include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Unique messenger hormones produced in the brain (and other organs of the body) that fit into the receptor sites of lymphocytes.

A term used to describe various stress management techniques that appear to boost the immune system.

Subtle human anatomy that goes by the names, from the electromagnetic field around an object to a colorful aura.  The human energy field is thought to be composed of layers of consciousness that surround and permeate the physical body.

A series of layers of energy that surround and permeate the body; thought to be associated with layers of consciousness constituting the human energy field.

The layer of energy closest to the physical body (also known as the etheric body).

Another term for the etheric layer of energy closest to the physical body.

A technique developed by Russian Semyon Kirlian enabling the viewer to see the electromagnetic energy given off by an object such as a leaf of a tree or human hand.  This technique is one of several technologies that substantiates the human energy field.

Chakra (pronounced "shock-ra") is a Sanskrit word for spinning wheel.  Chakras are part of the subtle anatomy.  The seven major chakras align from the crown of the head to the base of the spine and connect to various endocrine glands.  Each major chakra is directly associated with various aspects of the mind-body-spirit dynamic.  When a specific chakra is closed, distorted, or congested, the perception of stress, disease, or illness may ensue.

A term used to describe the collaboration of subtle energy (chakras, meridians, and the human energy field) with psychological issues and trauma involving certain aspects of stress.

A river of energy with hundreds of interconnected points throughout the body, used in the practice of acupuncture and shiatsu massage.

A resonating vibration given off by one object that is picked up by another object in close proximity.  Tuning forks provide a classic example.

In physics, the mutual phase locking of like oscillations; in human physiology, organs or organisms giving off strong vibrations influencing organs or organisms with weaker vibrations to match the stronger oscillation; thought to conserve energy.

The sudden (sometimes gradual) disappearance of a nonmedically treated disease, most often observed with cancerous tumors, but other diseases as well.

A nonmedicine (e.g. sugar pill) that can prove to be as effective as the medicine it is supposed to represent.  Healing occurs as a matter of belief.

A bona fide, effective medicine that does not work because the patient doesn't believe it will.

Any organ or tissue receiving excess neural or hormonal stimulation that increases metabolic function or abnormal cell growth; results in eventual dysfunction of the organ.

The first state of coronary heart disease, wherein a fat streak appears on the inner lining of artery walls.

The second stage of coronary heart disease, wherein artery walls slowly become occluded by cholesterol-plaque buildup.

The third and final stage of coronary heart disease, wherein the arteries become hardened by cholesterol buildup, calcium deposits, and loss of elasticity.

A name given to the condition where symptoms of a heart attack occur as a result of emotional stress; when stress hormones temporarily overwhelm heart tissue cells.

An underreactive immune system affected by external pathogens (e.g., colds and flu).

An overreactive immune system affect by external pathogens (e.g., allergies)

An overreactive immune system affected by interal pathogens (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis and ulcers).

An underreactive immune system affected by internal pathogens (e.g., cancer)

A gene in the DNA double-helix strand thought to be responsible for producing a mutant (cancerous) cell.