Stress could be the most dangerous of the emotions, particularly when it’s continual, but we find it’s probably the most underestimated emotion. Stress affects your body and mind and is relatable to the main causes of death in our world; accidents, health disease, cancers etc.
Relaxing isn’t something you should do to indulge yourself, it’s absolutely essential!
Stress is a normal physiological response triggered when we feel threatened. When we are stressed our “fight or flight” responses, and our immune systems are activated. However, when we are under too much stress, or ongoing chronic stress, our stress hormones might not return to normal levels, and we remain in a permanent state of fight or flight.
When we are stressed, we often feel irritable, frustrated and angry, or anxious, afraid and depressed. Alongside these feelings, our bodies also react, causing various aches and pains anywhere in our body, or other symptoms such as insomnia or increased pre-menstrual symptoms.
During your session we can discuss how stress may be affecting you. Maybe you are experiencing stress related anxiety and depression, fatigue, insomnia, indigestion, headaches, or other symptoms.
The TCM Approach to Stress
Qi, whose existence and properties form much of the basis of Chinese medicine and philosophy, is the vital energy and circulating life force that is held within and animates our bodies.
In TCM, when we see people suffering with stress, we usually diagnose “Liver qi stagnation”. In Chinese medicine, the Liver (not the same as the western medicine organ) oversees the smooth flow of qi throughout the body. Stress causes tension, and this tension can be felt on our pulse which will feel like a tight wire. Tension and stress quickly stagnate Qi potentially giving rise to multiple symptoms.
As our lives become more and more stressful, I see increasing numbers of people suffering with stress induced conditions. Acupuncture points used during the sessions include points to “calm the mind” or “lift mood”. These acupuncture points will trigger mental relaxation both during and outside the session. People
usually sleep better after their acupuncture treatment and often tell me how overall their stress levels are reduced, and resilience levels increase.
At the Jade Centre we see many patients each year to help them to manage their health. Contact us now and book an appointment to get the support you need,
