Flight or Fight Thing

This is in regards to the flight or fight model often discussed in martial arts or other civil type systems of defense. It is also discussed in combative models as well. 

First, flight or fight responses are instinctive in nature and are part and parcel to the "survival instincts" we naturally have as humans. It comes from those ancient days when we had to either run from a lion attack or defend ourselves when cornered by the lion, etc. We have not found in nature a need to evolve past this need and that is good since our new world is filled with far more dangerous stimuli and situations then in those ancient times. These times can be just as deadly even if the end result is not to be eaten by the lion. 

In this effort it is best to explain how the system works, our bodies and minds that is, as to the physical and chemical dumps we experience when confronted by danger, fear, etc. 

First view this youtube video, "Fight or Flight Response."

Then read the post at Gary at the Academy blog

Then there within that blog post is also a link to an article "Fear Control" by Geoff Thompson, i.e. quoted from his book "Dead or Alive: The Choice is Yours."

Addendum dtd September 18th 2012 9:29 a.m.

epinephrine: A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, esp. in conditions of stress, increasing rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and preparing muscles for exertion

norepinephrine: A hormone that is released by the adrenal medulla and by the sympathetic nerves and functions as a neurotransmitter. It is also used as a drug to raise blood pressure; a catecholamine precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and also released at synapses; A hormone produced in the adrenal medulla and secreted under stress; contributes to the "fight or flight" response; neurotransmitter and a hormone. It is released by the sympathetic nervous system onto the heart, blood vessels, and other organs and by the adrenal gland into the bloodstream as part of the fight-or-flight response; 

The flight or fight response is an instinct survival process of humans. It involves our senses, mostly sight but also auditory and tactile. The senses may be dominated by sight but the others contribute to the system. For this we will refer to sight, we see a dangerous situation so we have to process that visual stimuli in our brains. The brain will send a message to our nervous system, i.e. the nervous system is attached to our muscles which respond to the threat. 

Then the sympathetic nervous system will send a signal from the hypothalamus adrenal medulla that puts out adrenaline and epinephrine which floods the body. In actuality the epinephrine is what induces the breathing to increase, the heart beat to increase, the constriction or slowing of the digestive system and the vasodilatation of the muscles, vessels and there for increased blood flow of the body. The action part of this equation.

The muscles, etc. are flooded also by the energy flood, i.e. the liver will produce glycogen which then produces glucose - energy, that floods the bodies muscular system which is already in a heightened state  so the glucose will infuse the muscles with energy. 

Now, I may not have this as accurate as could be but this is a better understanding of how the body works/reacts to dangerous stimuli, situations or events. It is a matter of fear and anger control. Knowing how it works then finding the training and practice model that helps us control these models is a goal of martial arts.