Understanding Stress
Stress is the body’s natural response to challenges—be they physical, emotional, or environmental. This normal physiological response causes muscle tension, an elevated heart rate, and the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, all part of the body's “fight or flight” mechanism. This response is essential for overcoming short-term threats, protecting us from harm, and boosting performance in demanding situations.
However, long-term stress can be harmful. The World Health Organization explains that when stress persists, it can affect nearly every body system—from the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems to the digestive and nervous systems—potentially leading to chronic health issues . This understanding emphasises that stress can affect overall physical health in measurable ways
What is Neuro Emotional
Technique?
Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is a mind-body therapy designed to address the subtle physiological impacts of emotional stress. As defined on NETmindbody.com, NET works by identifying and correcting hidden emotional–physical imbalances—often referred to as Neuro Emotional Complexes—through tools such as muscle testing and non-invasive acupressure techniques .
Crucially, NET is not a form of talk therapy and does not aim to “treat” or alter emotions directly. Instead, it focuses on resolving the physical stress responses that underlie emotional disturbances, offering a bridge between the mind and body for a more integrated approach to healing.
Science behind NET
The potential of NET to influence stress at a physiological level is supported by research. In a 2017 study, researchers used functional MRIs to examine brain activity in patients with traumatic stress. The results were striking: following an NET session, there was a significant reduction in activity across key brain regions involved in processing stress, including the parahippocampus, anterior cingulate, insula, and brainstem. These findings indicate that NET can modulate the neural pathways associated with the stress response, offering valuable insights into its role in managing and reducing stress on a physiological basis.
While the acute stress response is essential for survival, its ongoing activation can ultimately compromise health. This research underscores NET as a complementary approach to helping to restore balance and mitigate chronic stress through a holistic, mind-body framework.
What to Expect from
An NET Session
During an NET session, you'll embark on a focused, gentle journey to uncover and release hidden stress.
When you arrive, you'll first have a brief consultation where the practitioner gathers some health history and they will explain the NET process. Following this they will use non-invasive muscle testing to assess your body’s responses to certain stressors and identify any Neuro Emotional Complexes - maladaptive physiological responses to real or perceived threat.
You will be guided through a process of recalling specific emotions and memories. As you do so, the practitioner employs acupressure or gentle adjustments. These interventions aim to release the stored stress from your body and restore balance.
Often clients find that even a single session leaves them feeling lighter and more relaxed.
