How to cope with an attack of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Why does an attack of VSD occur?

Vegetative-vascular crisis occurs due to improper functioning of the autonomic nervous system. It is based on a critical situation to which the body reacts by releasing a high concentration of certain biologically active substances into the blood: amino acid derivatives, steroid, protein or peptide hormones. And the manifestations of the crisis depend on which substance will have an effect on the body.

There are many reasons that provoke an attack of VSD. This may be physical or emotional overload, intoxication, disruption of the usual rhythm of life, previous surgery, severe infectious diseases, exposure to medications, weather changes, alcohol intake, premenstrual syndrome, etc.

The effect of cold water on mental disorders

The most interesting research on the benefits of regular cold water procedures lies in the field of mental disorders. Cold water is known to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which turns on the body's readiness to act. This is a kind of physiological stress that requires the body to use all internal organs and systems to return to normal body temperature, which can be beneficial not only for the central nervous system, but also for the entire body as a whole.

Cold water treatments lead to an increase in the level of beta-endorphin and norepinephrine in the blood. Norepinephrine is one of the most important neurotransmitters (along with serotonin) that many of the existing antidepressants target (these drugs aim to increase the level of norepinephrine in brain cells). This hormone is also able to cross the brain blood barrier and increase cerebral blood flow.

In addition, constant hardening leads to an increase in the production of beta-endorphin - another neurotransmitter responsible for overall well-being - and a decrease in pain through opioid receptors.

To summarize, we can say without a doubt that dousing with cold water is good for health.

However, you should not, under the impression of the positive effects of hardening, run outside without shoes and walk barefoot in the snow or rush to the nearest ice hole - a gradual approach is needed here, as with any kind of training. Sudden changes in temperature are a physiological shock for the body, and you need to approach the issue wisely.

References: 1. The Effect of Cold Showering on Health and Work: A Randomized Controlled TrialGeert A. Buijze, Inger N. Sierevelt, Bas CJM van der Heijden, Marcel G. Dijkgraaf, Monique HW Frings-Dresen. 2. Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body. A Mooventhan, L Nivethitha.

How to prevent or stop an attack of VSD

If you want to prevent an attack of VSD or get out of it with the least loss to the body, you need to analyze and, if possible, eliminate the conditions that provoke the development of this condition.

If the cause is fear, severe emotional shock or another external irritant, you need to try to take control of your emotions, think about something distracted, close your eyes, massage your eyelids. To stop an attack of VSD, it is also worth providing an influx of fresh air (open a window, unbutton a collar, or get rid of items of clothing that impede breathing). To improve cerebral circulation, you should lie down or at least take a comfortable sitting position.

To cope with an attack of migraine-like VSD, you need to go to a quiet place where there is no bright light. If your blood pressure increases or decreases, it is recommended to take the appropriate medication. A hot foot bath or a warm blanket will help overcome chills. In addition, at the first sign of an approaching panic attack, it is recommended to eat something sweet and drink a glass of water in slow sips.

Since it is not always possible to relieve an attack of VSD on your own, experts recommend taking a sedative.

Without professional medical help, panic attacks can become more frequent, gaining strength each time. Therefore, people prone to repeated exacerbations should definitely visit a neurologist. An experienced doctor will be able to advise how to get rid of an attack of VSD, select the optimal treatment regimen and tell you what to do during the next vegetative-vascular crisis.

VSD and contrast shower: how to turn a useful procedure into an enjoyable one

treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia also includes the use of a contrast shower. But you should take into account some rules that must be followed, because this concerns health.

Rules

First, let's look at how a contrast shower is used. Here is a list of rules to follow:

• Start the shower with warm water, the last douche is always cold, since the pores will close and remain clean;
• The regime is important. It is advisable that the session take place 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening, for the period of adaptation. Later, the routine can be reduced to once a day;
• You should not start using a contrast shower if you currently have a viral or bacterial disease - you first need to be cured, and then start taking the session;
• The douche is done as follows: first, warm up the body by turning on warm water (several minutes), abruptly switch to cold water (about a minute), and then alternately change the water at intervals of about 1.5 minutes;
• You need to stand under warm water a little longer;
• Exposure to alternately cold and warm water covers the entire body, excluding the head, since such a procedure can lead to decreased visual acuity or hair loss;
• When you need to change warm water to cool, you should direct a stream of cold water onto your face for a few seconds - your heart will say “thank you” to you;
• In order for the body to get used to the session, it should be spread out over several weeks; it is difficult for the body to immediately adapt to such conditions. Also with the coverage of the water used - it should be expanded little by little;
• From the first run, without preparation, there is no need to apply extreme temperature changes;
• The water should be of “moderate temperature” - not icy and not too hot - it will be warm and cool enough for the body, since the procedure involves comfort. In addition, ice water is contraindicated for people with VSD;
• There is no need to take long breaks during the contrast shower session; regularity is very important for it.

Benefit from sessions

Let's move on smoothly to what this will give us. A contrast shower suggests the following advantages for the body:

• Normalizes metabolism throughout the body, since the blood vessels alternately narrow and expand, and blood begins to flow to all organs that for some reason did not receive nutrients (usually due to blood stagnation, so this is also the prevention of varicose veins varicose veins);
• Improves blood circulation, has an invaluable effect on the cardiovascular system;
• Increases and stimulates immunity;
• Cleanses the body of harmful substances by narrowing and expanding the pores on the skin;
• Increases skin elasticity, due to which it prevents cellulite;
• Relieves tension, gives a feeling of lightness after the procedure;
• Regular use of a contrast shower means a significant reduction in the number of colds;
• Helps remove excess fat from the body.

Harm and contraindications

Of course, this is not without contraindications (VSD does not apply here, only in some cases, which will be described below). You should not use a contrast shower in situations or illnesses such as:

• Hypertension;
• Thrombophlebitis,
• Psychosis and depression;
• Some diseases of the spinal column;
• Period of menstruation in women;
• Poor blood circulation in the brain;
• Malignant neoplasms;
• Inflammation of nerves, joints;
• Blood diseases;
• Colds or periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• Some pathologies and hearts;
• After physical activity.

In order not to harm the body after the contrast shower procedure, you must thoroughly dry yourself with a towel after it. But the main mistake of many who start a contrast shower is ice water. As already noted, the session should be comfortable, and there is no point in trying to make it torture.

Be healthy and take a contrast shower!
Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr

Measures to prevent attacks of VSD

Unfortunately, a universal panacea to overcome an attack of VSD has not yet been found. To cope with this problem, a person should completely reconsider his usual lifestyle.

First of all, it is necessary to eliminate nervous overload, establish a work and rest schedule and change your diet, giving preference to foods rich in potassium and magnesium. You need to sleep in a well-ventilated area and at least 8 hours a day. It is worth reducing the amount of time you spend in front of a TV screen or computer monitor. If this is not possible due to the nature of your professional activity, you must take breaks, setting aside time for rest and physical activity during the day.

Daily walks in the fresh air, cycling, jogging, and aerobics are very useful. And, of course, it is necessary to put an end to bad habits that can worsen the course of the disease - smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.

Who will face

Photo: depositphotos/AndrewLozovyi

Headaches are one of the most common problems that people face during periods of large temperature fluctuations.

According to general practitioner Nadezhda Chernyshova, spasms occur primarily because the blood vessels do not have time to adapt to new conditions. “Headaches when the weather changes are due to the fact that the blood vessels cannot quickly change their function. For example, venous congestion may occur in the veins of the brain, which leads to headaches,” the specialist explained.

In turn, general practitioner Viktor Lishin noted that people who have chronic diseases will suffer most from weather instability. “The respiratory system, the gastrointestinal tract - as surprising as it may seem. Yes, in principle, all chronic diseases are at risk,” noted the interlocutor of Moscow 24.

He also indicated a number of other diseases.

Those who are susceptible to the effects of atmospheric pressure and pressure changes are hypertensive people, anyone who has problems with blood pressure, people who are physically inactive, that is, inactive, as well as people who have weak blood vessels in principle. Victor Lishin

general practitioner

Also at risk are patients in oncology departments and people with spinal problems. “When the pressure changes, it affects the blood flow in a certain way, it changes. And if there are problems with the spine, this all makes itself felt,” explained Lishin.

He added that during pressure changes not only the head can ache, but also old serious injuries and fractures.

Is Charcot's shower possible at home?

It is impossible to conduct a full-fledged, according to all the rules, Charcot shower at home. Yes, this is not necessary, since the procedure, as you could read above, is not indicated for everyone, and it also has a very impressive list of contraindications.

That is why the necessity and expediency of its implementation must be determined by a doctor, and carried out by a specially trained person who, if the patient experiences any undesirable reactions, will be able to help him.

However, at home, such a useful and safe method of physiotherapy as a contrast shower will always help you. The result of regular procedures will be a healthy immune system, strong nerves and smooth, toned skin.

Head of the physiotherapy department Evgenia Alekseevna Tsymbalova

What are the benefits of the procedure?

A contrast shower is not only a pleasant, but also a useful procedure. It has a beneficial effect on the body:

• 
  Skin cleansing and rejuvenation. Hot water opens the pores, which helps cleanse them, dilates blood vessels, and stimulates the removal of toxins and waste from the body. Switching to cold water closes the pores, which prevents bacteria from entering your skin, so it stays not only clean, but also healthy. Blood circulation improves, the skin becomes more elastic, and its rejuvenation occurs.

• Efficiency increases. The temperature difference helps activate all processes in the body, improves brain activity, improves mood and vitality.
• Vessels are strengthened. The procedure helps cleanse and strengthen the walls of blood vessels, pain in the heart goes away, and signs of varicose veins and cellulite are eliminated.

• 
  Immunity increases. People suffering from symptoms of VSD are more often than others susceptible to viral and infectious diseases. Thanks to the procedure, the body is hardened and becomes immune to many infections. People who regularly take contrast showers practically do not suffer from colds.

• The nervous system is strengthened. The body is less susceptible to stress, the person becomes calmer and more balanced.
• Male strength increases. Strengthening the nervous system and stimulating blood circulation has a beneficial effect on potency.
• Swelling and congestion in the body disappear. Excess weight goes away.

A contrast shower is one of the most effective ways to maintain physical and mental health, get rid of symptoms of VSD and live life to the fullest!

Indications for use of Charcot's shower

Indications for the use of such a physiotherapy procedure as Charcot's douche are:

• chronic fatigue syndrome;
• depression;
• neuroses;
• chronic stress;
• diseases of the osteoarticular system (arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis);
• muscle diseases;
• metabolic disorders, in particular obesity;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• allergic diseases.

The procedure is often used as a preventive measure - to strengthen the body's defenses, as well as to relax muscles after intense sports.

In cosmetology, the method is actively used as an effective means to combat cellulite - the skin after a course of treatment becomes smoother, firmer and more elastic. In addition, women are happy to discover minus centimeters in problem areas of the body.

Reviews of people who take such procedures

Elena, 40 years old. I suffered from VSD for many years, took pills, but the symptoms returned. I started taking contrast showers, it really helps! After the first procedure I felt much better! The main thing is to do everything correctly, not to get carried away with too much hot and ice water for the first few weeks.

Andrey, 46 years old. I have been taking contrast showers for many years now and never get sick with colds. I recommend that everyone who suffers from VSD try it, the effect is noticeable the first time!

Vladimir, 56 years old. I suffered from vegetative-vascular dystonia for a long time; I was diagnosed with this in my youth. I didn’t have enough time to play sports, I didn’t want to take pills either, so I decided to try a contrast shower. Since then, I’ve been feeling great for 20 years, I almost never catch a cold, I don’t have headaches, and my blood pressure is always normal!

Contraindications for carrying out

There are some contraindications for the procedure. These include high and low blood pressure, blood and heart diseases, malignant tumors, circulatory disorders, inflammatory processes in the joints, and colds.

With such diagnoses, you should not take cold or hot showers.

This can lead to serious consequences and will only make you feel worse. During menstruation, women are also better off avoiding contrast showers.

Patients who suffer from symptoms of VSD are advised to consult with their doctor before starting to use a contrast shower!