acupuncture for stress
Many who are new to acupuncture are surprised to find out how relaxing an acupuncture treatment can be; the visual idea of needles, and relaxation do not seem to go together. In community acupuncture clinic, it is common to have a room full of sleeping patients. Beyond the immediate relaxing benefits of acupuncture, regular treatments allow our patients to flow through the normal stresses of life with relative ease.
In Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, the Liver's job is to negotiate the free flow of energy in the body. Impaired Liver function can lead to energetic blockages, limited availability of resources and sluggishness. In Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine this condition is often referred to as Liver and Qi Stagnation. Stagnation occurs when the lack of energy to circulate needed supplies becomes obstructed. This can cause sleep and digestive complaints, musculoskeletal pain and emotional instability. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs offer effective strategies to remedy the depressed energy and to move the resulting stagnation, leading to better health and outlook.
From an Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine perspective, many manifestations of anxiety can be traced back to the energetic concert between the Heart and Kidney energetic systems. In Chinese Medicine the temperament of the Heart is fiery, expansive and upward. From a Chinese Medicine standpoint, it exhibits Yang characteristics. The dynamic terrain of the Kidneys are on the other end of the Chinese Medicinal continuum. The Kidneys' energetic character is fluid, inward and contemplative, exhibiting a Yin nature. If there is too much fire, we may experience symptoms of anxiety and agitation of the mind.
Anxiety comes in a wide range of manifestations, from mild worrying to more physical responses such as nausea, insomnia, shortness of breath and panic attacks. Some anxiety is a healthy response to the stress of daily life and new situations; however, anxiety that occurs randomly or excessively is a sign to take notice. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can help balance both the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety and help to create harmony and spaciousness.
It is estimated that 20% of the population is depressed at some point in their life. Common symptoms of depression include a sense of apathy, cynicism or anger toward someone or something, isolating oneself, crying spells and over-consumption of food and/or alcohol. Depression may be compounded in some people by SAD, seasonal affective disorder - a type of depression associated with the low light conditions experienced during the winter months.
While modern life has helped make so many aspects of daily living easier, many people still suffer from emotional distress. Subsequently, anxiety, increased stress and depression are some of the most common conditions affecting individuals. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are effective and safe tools to help smooth and balance what can be challenging you even under the best circumstances. What are you waiting for? Stop by and see your Acupuncturist for an energy boost and energy balancing treatment today.
