The statement I hear most often from patients after an acupuncture treatment is, “I feel so relaxed.” Deep relaxation is not only a pleasurable side effect from an acupuncture treatment; it is a vital strategy in resolving many conditions of imbalance within the body, mind, and spirit. Relaxation plays a vital role in keeping us centered in the midst of our complex lives and the benefits of acupuncture have been proven through clinical trials to reverse the detrimental effects of stress on the body. Used for thousands of years in the East, acupuncture is now gaining more mainstream popularity in the West and appealing to those who are looking for more natural and safe alternatives.
Society’s pressures and modern living may be putting a toll on your mental and physical health. For example, making you feel constantly overworked, emotionally drained, and anxious about upcoming social events. Normally, stress is meant to be Nature’s way of energizing you but in excess it can be damaging to your response to daily life and new situations. Acupuncture will help balance both physical and mental manifestations of stress.
Once the non-invasive needles are in place, you will experience a deep state of relaxation, allowing true rest and healing to occur. As the heavy feelings of stress are removed, you may feel more confidence in your ability to cope with negative aspects in life and to make necessary changes. This in turn can eliminate dependence on sleeping pills, antidepressants, tranquilizers, or even food and alcohol. Some of its healthy benefits include slowing the heart rate and breathing rate, lowering blood pressure, increasing blood flow to major muscles, reducing muscle tension, chronic pain, anger and frustration, and improving concentration.
From a western perspective, it has been proven that acupuncture stimulates all kinds of chemicals in the body, enhancing “feel-good” hormones in the brain. By slowing down the sympathetic nervous system, it also decreases sweat production, oxygen consumption, catecholamine production (chemicals associated with the stress response), and cortisol production (stress hormone). Studies have shown that the substances in the body as a result of acupuncture relax the body, and also regulate serotonin in the brain, which affects emotional states. In addition, it is possible that acupuncture’s cumulative long-term capacity to improve health and well-being may be linked to its ability to calm the limbic system.
The concepts of yin-yang and qi have permeated East Asian philosophy for centuries, seeing the human body as an organic whole, and health as based on the harmonious flow of qi throughout the body. Points along meridians, such as Heart 7, Pericardium 6, Liver 3, Large Intestine 4 relieve stress by calming the mind and removing stagnant qi. When you make the conscientious effort to incorporate acupuncture in your regimen, there is the peace of knowing that there are also very few side effects. It can be tried in just about anyone safely and effectively. Being 100% natural with no use of chemicals, acupuncture is also an earth friendly alternative. Acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments help build a new well balanced you with its tailor-made approach.
Achieve sustainability from within by balancing your life, diet, exercise, work, emotional life, and sexual life, which are the essence of prevention from disease and the promotion of health. The intention of acupuncture treatments is to direct, focus, and cleanse the mind, relax the muscles, and help you feel great again. Come and visit Michelle Kim, Licensed Acupuncturist, for a consultation and to learn more about relaxation techniques. If you have questions about acupuncture, or how it can help you, please email Michelle Kim at michelle@jointventurespt.com.