The Benefits of Acupuncture for Stress Relief
Let’s face it: stress is almost an inevitable part of life, and these past few years alone have been especially stressful for most people. Stress is a natural response when we feel like we are in threatening or difficult situations, however when it remains as a constant presence, your physical health may become impacted.
What can lead to stress?
There are many factors that can contribute to stress. Life events like death and grief, going through a divorce/break up, or financial troubles can lead to high levels of stress, depression and anxiety. What we put into our bodies can impact our stress hormones and cause distress to our mental and physical health; for example drinking alcohol, smoking, eating processed foods and fried foods can increase cortisol levels (the hormone associated with stress), cause inflammation in the body, and lead to feelings of depression, anger, inhibition, and other feelings of dissatisfaction.
Can stress impact our physical health?
Our mind and bodies are very much separate but connected, meaning they exist separately from one another but when one is impacted, the other is also affected. Oftentimes when we experience a traumatic or negative event, it not only negates how we feel mentally; our bodies have a tendency to hold onto that memory to where it becomes a physical trauma. For example, our gut is considered our second brain. When we exhibit feelings of stress, it can often lead to digestive issues such as nausea, loss of appetite, irregular bowel movements or stomach pain. Many people with PTSD and stress also present with chronic pain and/or sleep issues. Stress can also influence reproductive health and women’s disorders, leading to issues with fertility and trying to conceive, irregular menstrual cycles, and premenstrual symptoms. This is why it is important that we take time to learn what triggers our stress the most and what we can do to best regulate it.
How does acupuncture help reduce stress?
Acupuncture has shown to be a safe and effective treatment when it comes to providing stress relief. Points are selected based on the patient’s underlying condition and how stress is presenting in the body; ie. headaches, insomnia, irritability, sadness, neck tension, etc. Needles are inserted in various places in the body to activate the vagus nerve, which is the nerve responsible for activating the “rest & digest” state of mind, along with reducing cortisone levels associated with high stress. Acupuncture promotes calming and analgesic effects in the body, resulting in better stress regulation, improved sleep and energy levels, reduced pain, and increased cognitive function.
What are some other ways to manage stress?
Drink plenty of water! Did you know that drinking water triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the system responsible for the “rest & digest” response? When we are properly hydrated, the body is able to relax better and is less likely to feel as stressed or anxious.
Regular exercise has been linked to reducing stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisone, as well as stimulating analgesic and mood-elevating neurotransmitters like endorphins. Our body naturally craves movement, so when we neglect exercise from our routine the qi and blood flow starts to slow down and become stagnant, leading to symptoms of pain, tension, and irritability.
Writing in a journal can be therapeutic for stress. Getting words and thoughts decluttered from your mind and on paper can help slow down mental restlessness, reduce mental fog, improve mental clarity, and combat negative or intrusive thoughts.
Listening to music can activate several chemical reactions within the brain. Listening to upbeat music has shown to improve mood and make one feel more positive and optimistic, while slower music is helpful to slow down the mind, reduce muscle pain, and ease into better sleep.
Remember, we can’t always control when stressful situations are going to happen, but we can control how we respond and take care of ourselves in those times. Are you ready to address your concerns around stress with acupuncture? Book your appointment with Kelly here!
