Stress - an overwhelming sensation in the body.
Anxiety - an overwhelming sensation, even when there are no obvious stressors.
Feeling stuck - a feeling that everything is the same and not able to move forward.
Being able to ground oneself is key to managing these emotions. Engaging in productive self-care — such as acupuncture, exercise, or self-massage — can be empowering and help ease worries that feel beyond your control.
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. While its effectiveness may vary for different individuals, acupuncture is an effective treatment for stress or anxiety with fewer side effects than medications.
In Sarah's experience, patients have come for acupuncture even whilst taking SSRI blockers such as Sertraline. However, one of the common complaints is that they are unable to feel any emotions at all. Moreover, those who are trying to conceive are keen to reduce the amount of medication in their body.
Here’s how acupuncture may help with stress or anxiety:
Regulation of neurotransmitters
Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood boosters. It also helps regulate the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, all of which play a role in anxiety disorders.
Stress reduction
Acupuncture can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which triggers the relaxation response and helps reduce stress levels. By calming the mind and the body, it can alleviate the symptoms associated with anxiety.
Hormone balance
Acupuncture has been found to regulate hormonal balance, including those related to stress and anxiety. It can help rebalance the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which controls the body’s stress response, leading to a reduction in anxiety symptoms.
Improved sleep
Anxiety often disrupts sleep patterns, resulting in fatigue and worsening of symptoms. Acupuncture can help promote better sleep by addressing underlying imbalances that contribute to sleeping difficulties.
Pain reduction
Stress can also lead to some form of pain. Most notably stomach cramping, back pain, jaw pain, tinnitus. By reducing stress and anxiety, the body's ability to heal is much quicker. There is a saying in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 'tong bu tong', which means if there is blockage, there is pain; if there is no blockage, there is no pain. Imagine, when we are in a fight or flight mode, or body is tensed up. This 'tension' or 'blockage' is what causes pain. By relaxing the mind, we allow the body to relax.
Immunity
Being in a constant fight or flight mode can weaken the immune system. The body's ability to switch off and heal itself is compromised when it is in a heightened stressed state. You may find that you are constantly getting a cold or a flu, sore throat, 'arthritic pain', or the time it takes for you to recover takes a little longer. By calming the central nervous system, acupuncture can help the body to reset and allow the body to fight off invading pathogens.
MAXIMISING THE BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE AT HOME
There are a number of things people can do at home to extend the benefits they achieve immediately after an acupuncture session.
Nourish your body
Diet plays a key role in maintaining the effects of acupuncture. When we are feeling stressed or anxious, the body can feel fatigued. It may makes us feel better to reach for caffeine, sweet sugary foods and drinks to keep us alert. Trying keeping these to a minimum and incorporate more antioxidant and nutrient-rich plants into your diet and can help to calm the nervous system.
Stay Active
Movement is therapy. Walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi and qigong are gentle exercises that can help you maintain balance in your body.
Practice self-massage
Self-massage can help alleviate mild to moderate pain in muscle and connective tissue. Acupressure is a form of massage that targets specific acupuncture points with pressure along with deep breathing. Ask your acupuncturist for customized acupressure point combinations for your specific health concerns.
Tags: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture, acupuncture for stress and anxiety
Sarah San Acupuncture is located near Esher, Cobham, Claygate, Oxshott, Walton on Thames, Weybridge, Surrey.
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