Stress causes our muscles to tighten. Slouching creates unattractive posture along with sore back, neck, and shoulder muscles. The combination of stress, muscle tension, and poor posture may create chronic illness. Sitting upright, rigid, and tense is not proper posture. For proper or neutral posture, you must align your body and place your muscles in balance with each other.

Areas of stress, tension, and chronically tight muscles lead to local inflammation and irritation. The inflammation, in turn, causes physical damage to the muscles, which can eventually heal with scar tissue. Diseased tissue and tight, sore muscles may then result from this chronic stress. When an area of the body is chronically weakened or irritated, it is more susceptible to the onset of arthritis, cancer, ulcers, and other ailments.

An ulcer is an example of how the stomach may suffer damage from stress. Asthma, colitis, headaches, eye-strain and other illnesses may also result from stress and the poor posture it creates. Many doctors feel that the primary cause of most illnesses may be stress and anxiety. Preventing stress and improving your posture are important in creating a foundation for radiant health.

Stress release techniques can be designed to help you reduce tension in five primary stress zones:

• Eyes, forehead and top of head.
• Throat. Stress can bring on a frog in your throat or the inability to speak clearly.
• Chest. The chest is the center of feelings. Some people have difficulty breathing when they “need to get something off their chest.”
• Stomach and diaphragm. Chronic digestive problems are commonly associated with stress, anxiety, and poor posture.
• Lower intestines, the anus, and the sex organs.

There are many exercises and techniques you can use to improve the quality of your life. Stress is associated with muscular tension and poor posture. By using stress release techniques, you can eliminate anxiety and live a happier, healthier life. PE

Curtis Turchin, D.C. is a trained herbalist, chiropractor, and massage therapist. He manages a clinic and is the author of 60 Second Mind/Body Rejuvenation. 650-369-3336.

ACTION: Focus your relaxation techniques on the five stress zones.