Who isn’t familiar with what we call the Fight or Flight response?

It is how we simplify and digest the interactions of the autonomic nervous system—namely the Sympathetic division—as it prepares us for a response when facing what we consider a threat. Whether this threat is tangible (as in facing a growling animal) or perceptual (fear of being fired or anger from being taken advantage of) the Fight or Flight response always manifests as the following: elevated high rate, shallow breathing, anxiety, restlessness, anger, and if chronically sustained, as damage in our bodies.

Counterstrain has proven immensely effective at relieving the pain and dysfunctions created by an overactive Sympathetic division, and patients report calmness and the return of pain-free mobility, usually in the neck and back areas. Alas, I know well that unless the individual has mastered proper coping strategies to safely release the surge of energy that comes from the Fight or Flight response, they will be returning over and over, usually in worse shape than before.

Enter Jendi Watson of the NALU Center for Healing to tell us of the value of Hakomi Therapy in this quest to dampen the Fight or Flight response. In this brief conversation, we talk about the effects of anger in our bodies, how societal constraints significantly affect the way men and women express their anger, and how anger can be turned into a beautiful growth experience.

I had a blast chatting with Jendi and I know you’ll enjoy the insights in our conversation. I look forward to having Jendi as a guest again, and please leave me your feedback, ideas, and tell me who you’d like to see as a future guest.

Until next time, may you live a fit and pain-free life!