Experts believe that exposure to stress can cause inflammation and damage to DNA in cells which can have the effect of accelerating ageing. According to public health research psychologist Tamara Goldsby at the University of California, sound baths have been shown to relieve stress, reduce tension, anxiety and other negative mood states.
Have you ever wondered what effect stress has on the aging process?
Let’s look at some of the things that can accelerate the ageing process.
Telomeres - telomeres are protective caps on the end of our DNA, preventing damage. Each time our cells divide they get shorter, and once too short cells malfunction, and ageing begins. Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and poor sleep can speed up telomere shortening. Conversely, stress reduction and exercise can help preserve or even in some cases extend them.
Inflammation - chronic inflammation accelerates ageing and damages tissues. It's often caused by stress, processed foods, lack of sleep and exercise. Chronic inflammation has been linked to diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's, reducing inflammation is crucial for managing health and ageing.
Cortisol - cortisol is a hormone that plays a crucial role in our "fight or flight" response. However, chronic stress can lead to excessive production of cortisol, which may negatively impact health.
What is Cortisol and why is it so important?
Cortisol, known as our stress hormone is essential for survival. It switches on our fight or flight response, It helps regulate our blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation, and helps control our circadian rhythm.
But here’s the problem, cortisol should be released in short bursts during moments of need, not for daily stress. When the threat passes, our cortisol should return to normal levels. When we are under constant stress this doesn’t always happen. Prolonged high cortisol levels can cause problems!!
When your cortisol levels are constantly high you are in a never-ending cycle of flight or flight even when you are going about your everyday tasks. Your body can’t differentiate between being attacked by a lion or being stressed out by an email, so it perceives the two as the same level of threat!
This chronic stress can lead to a multitude of problems many of which are directly related to ageing which include;
Weight Gain – Mostly around the midsection, upper back and rounding of the face.
Muscle Loss and Weakness - Especially in the arms and legs.
Lower Bone Density - Chronic high cortisol levels can cause bone loss, raising the risk of osteoporosis.
Weakened Immune System - Long-term high cortisol suppresses immune function, making you more prone to infections and slowing healing.
Memory Issues - Extended high cortisol can lead to brain fog, concentration problems, and memory issues.
Accelerated Skin Aging - Cortisol breaks down collagen, causing wrinkles sagging and thinning skin.
Why is Cortisol significant in the context of ageing?
The issues mentioned above are prominent indicators of ageing. When cortisol levels are dysregulated, they accelerate the ageing process, causing the body to deteriorate more quickly and increasing the signs of ageing.
However, there is positive news: By effectively managing cortisol levels, it is possible to slow down or even reverse some of these effects.
Stress and ageing x Sound Healing
Regular participation in sound baths, mindfulness and other forms of self-care can help reduce your stress levels.
The resonant sounds and frequencies produced by the instruments in sound baths are thought to interact directly with our body's energy centres, which can help alleviate the build-up of stress and anxiety by shifting the nervous system from the fight-or-flight response to a state of rest.
A sound bath may assist in quietening the mind, thereby helping concentration and focus.
A live blood analysis shows that a 20-minute sound bath has a positive effect on blood cells leaving them less inflamed and dehydrated - massive to moderate improvement to the cells overall appearance was achieved in this experiment.
We would love to hear from you if you would like to join us for our weekly Sound Bath's. We offer a serene and intimate space where you can relax and enjoy the harmonious sounds, vibrations, and frequencies of the gong, Tibetan bowls, chimes, and drum, providing an excellent opportunity to unwind, alleviate stress, balance energy centres and enhance mood.
We provide yoga mats, pillows, and blankets for your comfort.
To book a session email blaithin@yourspacetob.com.
For more details on what to expect during the session, please visit yourspacetob.com/soundhealing.
