"Stress Management" Course

The method of physiological self-regulation (MSR) is an innovative approach to treating conditions such as anxiety, panic attacks, and somatoform disorders of the autonomic nervous system.
These conditions are traditionally the responsibility of psychologists and psychiatrists, and patients are often referred to them by cardiologists after experiencing physical symptoms: rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeats, chest discomfort, pulsation, strong heartbeats, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
The gold standard in treating such patients is a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and psychopharmacotherapy.
However, despite the effectiveness of this approach, many patients fail to achieve lasting relief from symptoms and, no less importantly, understanding of the processes occurring in their bodies.
The method of physiological self-regulation (MSR) was developed taking into account advanced research in the field of evidence-based medicine and includes a variety of approaches aimed at improving mental and physical health. MFS is a set of behavioral recommendations that directly affect the mechanisms of stress reactions.
MFS is based on three components.
Dosed physical activity is necessary for the physiological implementation of a set of reflex reactions that develop in response to stress.
Concentration and relaxation techniques are necessary to switch the nervous system from a state of activation and excitation to a state of relaxation and recovery. The human nervous system does not have the ability to fully automatically relax. Achieving this physiological state requires conscious efforts on the part of the patient.
Breathing exercises allow you to work on the respiratory muscles, and primarily the diaphragm, which are in increased tone due to stress. In addition, breathing exercises can affect the current state of the nervous system even in a very short time by reducing stress activation and balancing its operating mode. Such changes are accompanied by symptom relief and a rapid positive improvement in the condition. Regular breathing exercises contribute to the long-term consolidation of this effect. The program is supplemented with elements of neurogymnastics, accelerating the achievement of results (neurocognitive processes causing changes at the mental, cortical and vegetative levels), which is a necessary positive reinforcement in any treatment process.
All elements of the program work through normal human physiology.
It is important to note that only the simultaneous use of balanced components of the method - physical activity, relaxation techniques and breathing exercises - allows you to achieve sustainable results. For most of those involved, exercises, in one volume or another, become life companions. Thus, a closed cycle is organized in which physiological self-regulation becomes an individual practice that helps relieve unpleasant symptoms and stabilize the body.
The main goal of MFS is to help the patient independently manage the state of his autonomic nervous system and learn to maintain this balance on an ongoing basis. Based on the method, specialized programs have been developed, each of which is aimed at solving specific problems, such as reducing anxiety and panic attacks, eliminating symptoms of dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of extrasystoles or normalizing blood pressure. Each program includes a unique set of sequential exercises with clear methodological recommendations developed taking into account maximum safety and effectiveness, which is confirmed by specialized studies.
The results of practical work on the method demonstrated a significant improvement in the general condition of all participants, improved sleep quality, a significant decrease in the manifestations of autonomic dysfunction, anxiety levels, as well as a decrease in the number of panic attacks.
In addition, there is stabilization of blood pressure and heart rate, the disappearance of discomfort in the heart and associated sensations ("lump in the throat, stone on the heart, pulling, pain, etc.").
All this leads to a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients and a decrease in the need for drug therapy. The program can be attributed to preventive measures: atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, cancer, osteoporosis, dementia, anxiety-depressive spectrum disorders and cognitive decline.
Thus, the method of physiological self-regulation is an important and promising tool in clinical practice. It can be used by doctors of various specialties - therapists, cardiologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, psychiatrists and many others.
The method is quite adaptive and can be used to develop