STRESS AND ITS ENERGETIC EFFECT IN TEENS

Abstract

Numerous studies have confirmed the existence of electromagnetic and proposed subtle energy fields within and around the physical body. Structures such as meridians and chakras associated with these fields have been identified. Experimentation within the past 100 years in particular served to illustrate a vast array of patterns and behaviors of those electromagnetic and subtle energy fields, which in turn, gave rise to theories of energy-based therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy and hands-on healing. Some practitioners of energy-based medicine such as Caroline Myss, PhD, and Richard Gerber, MD, have directly linked dysfunction of chakras and meridians to the development of illness in the physical body. If a link exists between the behavior of energy in the body and manifestation of physical or psychological distress, it should be possible to demonstrate such an association in a carefully constructed study. This paper describes such a study, in which selected indices of stress were positively correlated with irregular energy flows within the energy systems of a sample of teens. It was hypothesized that when an individual experiences stress, the energy flows in his/her body becomes disorganized and this disorganization is associated with commonly accepted symptoms of physiological and psychological distress. Further, the more disorganized the energy in the body, the greater the number and nature of symptoms. Thirty-two teens, aged 15 to 19 completed a selfadministered questionnaire, an in-depth interview and examination of the body’s energy systems. Though most teens exhibited disorganization in several of their energy systems, some of the teens, who presented the greatest disorganization also exhibited the greatest number of physiological and psychological symptoms. Chi-Square tests showed that a significant relationship exists between self-reported stress level and irregularity in specific energy flows, as well as for energetic irregularity and self-reported mental and physical health ratings. When teens were grouped by the presence (or absence) of Triple Warmer Reactivity and/or Frozen energy, the correlation between physiological or psychological symptoms and energetic irregularity was even more demonstrable. Triple Warmer Reactivity appeared to affect strongly teens’ physical and mental well-being. Assuming a link between the energetic and physical body, intervention at this age with specific techniques to correct energy irregularities could mitigate potential future, physical and mental issues. These results are preliminary and need to be replicated and extended to include objective measures of stress, health and other potentially related variables with a larger sample of teens.