If we really evaluated stress, its impact in our lives, and especially on our health, we would be wise to approach it like an inventor would. When a company produces a new product, during research and development, it must go through stringent testing. Tests frequently used are Stress Tests. There are two basic types of stress tests – Tensile Strength (aka: Ultimate Strength), and Compressive Strength.
Tensile strength is a way of determining how far a material can be stretched or pulled before it fails, breaks, or falls apart. It also determines the area of greatest weakness. Various types of strain are applied, under different conditions. We all have our breaking point. The point at which, stress has reached its maximum impact on us, and we hit our knees and pray for mercy! How far we can stretch, or be pulled in different directions, is commensurate with the quality of the materials are bodies are comprised of. All of which is controllable.
Compressive Strength is the capacity a material has of being able to withstand a heavy load or force, before being crushed. When a material is loaded in such a way that it is extended, it is said to be tension, while if it compresses or shortens, it is compression. How far can we extend ourselves, or create tension, before the body says “NO MORE?” How much of a load we can carry, or how far we can force ourselves to tackle a task when every cell in our body says to stop, is also dependent upon the quality of materials we are made of.
When a material is tested, other factors may also influence the stress test. For instance, if plywood were to sit in water, it would begin to warp and fail. So something must be applied to waterproof it to prevent failure. In wet or cold weather, we are more likely to catch a cold, so we take some immune support herbs, to shore up our bodies so they hold up in those particular stressors.
To shore up the body to handle stress from all sorts, we have to build a strong foundation. We do this by getting ample rest, including adequate hours of deep sleep, exercising so that our bodies are strong and able to endure more stress – physical and emotional, and we supply abundant nutrients so that our body can function properly on all levels.
When a product undergoes Quality Control, any defects, deficits, or errors gets corrected. If our body is not doing well during stress, we need to repair any defects in function by using acupuncture and quality nutrition. Deficits in the quality of materials we put into our body will catch up eventually. We cannot continue to run on empty. Errors in communication between brain and body, between hormones and between organs have to be corrected in order for the body to endure the stresses of life.
Just as new products are put through stress tests, we are too. How well will you hold up?
©2018 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
Medical/Health Disclaimer: The information provided in this article should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this article. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the author, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries
