Whether the things in our life that cause stress are big or small, our body’s reaction is the same. When the going gets tough, stress hormones are released, tensions run high, and blood from parts of the body like the digestive and reproductive system is redirected to our muscles (in case we actually need to run)! Although our body has good intentions, the stress response it carries out can cause health problems if it is not moderated. Acupuncture reduces stress and helps regulate the body to promote better health.
Stress is at the root of many health concerns. It sets off hormone imbalances and causes qi to stagnate. Along with this, the liver has a major role in stress response in Traditional Chinese Medicine. When the body is stressed, liver qi doesn’t flow smoothly and stagnates, causing a variety of unwanted responses including insomnia, fatigue, depression, diarrhea, constipation, increased blood pressure, and more.
Stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) are yang hormones- they trigger the flight-or-fight response to real or perceived threats to our well-being and survival. This response causes us to be more alert and makes our hearts pump more blood to the big muscle groups that are responsible for helping us run, climb, or fight our way out of trouble. At the same time, the blood flow is directed away from our digestive and reproductive organs, resulting in indigestion, infertility, and menstrual irregularities.
These days, our stress hormones are triggered too often and in too-great of quantities. Our fight-or-flight response can be triggered by confrontations with a spouse, boss, parent, or child, or maybe even a phone ringing, checking mail, or hearing a loud or sudden noise. The more stress we have in our everyday life, the more sensitive we become to stressful events even when that event is minimal (eg. being late for work), causing us to be in a constant state of stress hormone overload.
Acupuncture works against stress by stimulating the nerves that send messages to the brain to release endorphins, or anti-stress hormones. Endorphins enhance the immune system, improve blood circulation, and decrease pain. Once released into the body, they have a relaxing effect, reducing stress and anxiety. Endorphins also affect the digestive system and hormonal system, so by using acupuncture these organ systems can begin to rebalance.
Eating a diet containing whole foods, avoiding processed foods, as well as participating in yoga and meditation are all great compliments to an acupuncture regimen for the treatment of stress and stress related health problems.
To learn more about how you can reduce stress and the effects it imposes on your body, you might consider booking a free meet-and-greet with one of our talented TCM Doctors here at Healthy By Nature.