Understanding Stress and Its Impact
While technological advances have improved our lives in many ways, they have also sped up our lifestyles, contributing significantly to our stress levels. When we feel physically or emotionally pressured, our body activates a survival mode known as the “fight or flight response.” The adrenal gland quickly releases stress hormones that boost blood flow to crucial areas like the brain, heart, and muscles, preparing the body for immediate action.
However, triggering this stress response too frequently can cause problems due to high hormone levels. Common symptoms of this include digestive issues, a faster heartbeat, trouble sleeping, reduced sexual desire, weakened immunity, irritability, and anger. Over time, constant stress can lead to more severe health issues such as heart attacks, anxiety, depression, obesity, high blood pressure, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), eating disorders, and Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
How Acupuncture Works for Stress Relief
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, maintaining health involves ensuring the harmonious flow of energy called Qi, which actively circulates through a network of channels in the body's tissues, muscles, and organs. In that Oriental framework, negative emotions such as frustration, anger, and irritability interrupt the flow of that energy, causing stagnation in specific channels and organs.
In acupuncture, practitioners stimulate specific points with fine needles to clear these blockages. For example, in Chinese medicine, the liver organ is associated with emotions like irritability and anger. The liver channel travels from the inside of the foot to the top of the head, connecting with the inner leg, the reproductive organs, the stomach, the live organ, the eyes and the brain.
This explains why a point, such as Liver 3, located between the web of the first and second toe, is often used to calm the nervous system and resolve digestive issues, headaches, irritability and anger. Due to its connection with the reproductive organs, other points in the Liver channel can also be prescribed in the case of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men.
The Science Behind Acupuncture for Stress
From a Western perspective, the concept of Qi in acupuncture is similar to a continuous flow of electrical or magnetic energy that connects different organs and tissues within the body. Research has demonstrated that acupuncture can calm the nervous system by regulating the release of specific hormones.
This regulatory effect is why acupuncture effectively manages period pain in women by influencing the hypothalamus gland. It also helps relieve stress by adjusting the release of hormones and neurotransmitters like enkephalin, serotonin, and noradrenaline. Furthermore, several medical studies support acupuncture’s benefits in treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Sources:
MARMARA PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL 16(2):107-114, May 2012. 16(2):107-114
JAMA Psychiatry. 2024;81(6):545-554. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.5651
Benefits of Acupuncture for Stress Relief
Acupuncture offers a range of benefits for those seeking effective stress management. This natural, drug-free approach addresses the immediate symptoms and enhances overall physical and mental health and resilience against future stressful situations. Here’s how acupuncture can help in managing and alleviating stress:
Natural, drug-free treatment: Acupuncture provides relief without needing medications, so no nasty side effects.
Reduces symptoms of stress and anxiety: It helps calm the mind and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Improves sleep quality: Regular sessions can improve sleep by reducing insomnia and restlessness.
Enhances overall well-being: By balancing the body's energies, acupuncture contributes to overall health and vitality.
Clears stress-induced digestive problems: It can relieve common digestive issues caused by stress, such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea.
Reduces stress-induced high blood pressure: Acupuncture can help lower elevated blood pressure related to stress, promoting heart health.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session
When you come in for an acupuncture session, here’s what typically happens:
Consultation and Assessment:
The session begins with a 10-15-minute consultation, during which your acupuncturist will discuss your health concerns and objectives.
This is followed by a brief physical examination of your lower legs, arms, abdomen, and wrist pulses to assess your body’s energy flow.
Treatment Process:
After the consultation, you’ll be asked to lie on your back on a therapeutic table. You will remain fully clothed throughout the session, and we will ensure you are covered and kept warm.
Only your arms, lower legs, and feet will be exposed, as these areas contain most of the acupuncture points we use.
Needle Insertion:
Fine acupuncture needles will be gently inserted into specific points on your legs and arms. This is usually painless, but you might feel a brief prick as each needle goes in.
Acupuncture is known for its calming effect on the nervous system; many find the experience deeply relaxing.
During Treatment:
If you feel any discomfort during the session, please inform us immediately. We can adjust or remove any needles to make you more comfortable.
Personalised Stress Treatment Plans
Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach, considering how the body and mind influence each other. We understand that neurological and emotional symptoms don't appear in isolation; they are connected to the body's overall health. Everyone is unique, and we all react differently to stress.
During your initial consultation, the practitioner will ask detailed questions about various aspects of your health. This includes your digestion, reactions to hot and cold temperatures, sleep patterns, headaches, and issues related to your eyes and ears. For women, questions will also cover menstrual health. We will also assess your skin condition, immune system health, and emotional well-being.
Based on your responses and a physical examination—including checking your hands, feet, abdomen, and pulse—we'll identify patterns that might explain your symptoms.
After this comprehensive evaluation, we'll create a tailored treatment plan. This usually involves selecting four to six specific acupuncture points that target your unique symptoms and stress triggers.
Additional Tips for Managing Stress
Try exercising to increase your heart rate for 30 minutes 2-3 times a week, or take a gentle walk every day.
Practise deep breathing exercises several times daily. Find a quiet space, and observe your breath as you breathe in and out for 5-10 minutes .
Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and minimise daily alcohol and coffee intake. Nuts like almonds and walnuts provide important minerals that regulate optimum brain function.
Allow yourself to slow down when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Talking about your problems with someone, if you don’t have anyone, writing down your feelings can be very helpful.
Try to eliminate the stressors in your life. If you don’t know what they are, keeping a journal can be a good way to find out.
Why Choose Acupuncture On Wheels?
Choose Acupuncture On Wheels for expert care from Olivier Lejus, a seasoned acupuncturist with over two decades of clinical experience. Here’s why Olivier stands out:
Extensive Education: Olivier holds a Bachelor of Health Science degree in Acupuncture and a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). Postgraduate training in Australia and Japan further enhances his education, ensuring a deep and broad understanding of his field.
Academic Contributions: From 2005 to 2012, Olivier was a key figure at UTS as a lecturer, tutor, and clinical supervisor at the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He continues to share his knowledge as a lecturer on Oriental medicine at Endeavour College in Sydney.
Experienced Practitioner: Olivier’s long-standing practice since 2000 equips him with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to effectively address a wide range of conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture For Stress Relief
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Yes, acupuncture can effectively reduce stress by promoting relaxation and balancing the body's energy. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of stress, such as anxiety, insomnia, and headaches, by stimulating the body's natural stress-relieving mechanisms.
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The frequency of acupuncture treatments for stress relief depends on the severity of your symptoms and individual needs. Typically, patients may start with one or two weekly sessions and gradually reduce the frequency as symptoms improve. Your acupuncturist will create a personalised treatment plan based on your specific situation.
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There are several acupuncture points commonly used for stress relief, including:
Yintang (Extra-1): Located between the eyebrows, this point is known as the "third eye, " effectively calming the mind.
Shenmen (HT7): Found on the wrist, this point helps alleviate anxiety and promotes emotional stability.
Zusanli (ST36): Located on the lower leg, this point helps boost overall energy and reduce stress.
LIV3. located in the web between the big toe and the second toe.
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Yes, acupuncture is a safe and natural method for managing stress. When performed by a qualified and licensed acupuncturist, the procedure involves minimal risks. Acupuncture uses fine, sterile needles and is generally well-tolerated by most patients.
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Many patients experience a sense of relaxation and relief after the first session. However, significant improvements in stress levels may take a few sessions. The duration and frequency of treatments will depend on individual responses and the severity of symptoms.
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Absolutely. You can effectively combine acupuncture with other stress management strategies, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, proper sleep hygiene, and a healthy diet. These complementary practices can enhance the overall effectiveness of stress relief treatments.
Book Your Consultation
Don't let stress take over your life. Schedule a consultation with Olivier from Acupuncture on Wheels today and take your first step towards effective stress management. Discover how professional acupuncture can help you control stress and improve your well-being.