Stress, an excessive internal critical script (see adrenaline) unrealistic expectations, perfectionism, frustration, and anger are the primary psychological and emotional triggers for the physiological response of vasoconstriction. Vaso-constriction is a frequent physiological trigger for challenges such as panic attacks, erectile dysfunction, migraine headaches, and a myriad of other symptoms.

Skim temperature, which measures peripheral blood flow, is a potentially powerful tool for mind-body or psycho-physiological awareness, which can lead to self-regulation technique.

For example, during my career I’ve been on well over a thousand TV and radio shows, as well as, given countless lectures. Now I like doing these events. I have no anxiety, but I do experience the physiology of performance. My hands are always cold as I anticipate the event about 15 minutes before hand. For m,e the cold hands mean “ready set go”. For an individual experiencing public speaking anxiety or performance anxiety it can signal the beginning of a panic reaction.

To increase your awareness of the relationship between cognition-emotion and the physiological response of vasoconstriction and vasodilation study the bio-card.

For more information regarding the mind-body response and self- regulation go to Biofeedback.