Many people associate a good massage with relieving their stress, but one of the things that acupuncture is most effective for is stress reduction. In traditional theory, acupuncture is all about moving energy to allow it to flow freely and to gently return the body to its state of natural balance. A body in balance feels healthy and relaxed. When we are released from the constricting, pressurized feeling of stress, we are again able to breathe deeply.
The negative effects of stress are well documented in conventional, non-acupuncture, studies. Beyond the psychological aspects of stress, there is a very physical response. The body perceives a threat and numerous biochemical reactions are triggered, pouring stress chemicals into the blood. These chemicals can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, as well many other negative physical reactions. Hormones including adrenaline and cortisol are released that engage the fight or flight response (the sympathetic nervous system) and mute the relaxation response (the parasympathetic system). The last thing a body wants to do when facing imminent danger is relax! Which causes tension and stress to elevate even further!
Studies have shown that acupuncture, like exercise and massage, releases our own natural opioids and oxytocin, which engage the relaxation response and shift the body out of the emergency response mode that so many of us live our daily lives in. Of course we're not in imminent danger most of the time, but the constant pressure of deadlines, multi-tasking, competition for our attention, and health issues can make our bodies think we are. Regular acupuncture can create deep and lasting changes as our bodies adjust to a new, more peaceful, state. We can react when we need to, but we can shift out of it when we don't. Acting like internal exercise, acupuncture has a wide array of benefits. You can even feel the relaxation settle in during the treatment itself.
Whether you understand the traditional philosophy of acupuncture focused on the movement of energy or not, one thing is certain, acupuncture has been producing amazing therapeutic effects for thousands of years. Isn’t it time you gave it a try to help manage your stress?
If you have questions about acupuncture or the potential benefits it may have for you, please email one of our acupuncturists Mary Kinneavy at mary@jointventurespt.com or Rachel Furst at rachel@jointventurespt.com.