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Feeling Stressed Out? Try Acupuncture!
Stress has become a common (sometimes daily) occurrence in the lives of many people in modern society. Without the proper techniques and methodologies for dealing with stress, it can directly and significantly impact an individual’s mental and physical health. Being that this condition is so prevalent, the pharmaceutical industry has taken note and provided a wide array of prescription medications for those suffering from stress-related symptoms. While these medications might prove to be effective at managing the symptom(s), the problem with taking them is that they don’t address the root cause of the issue that is creating the stress, nor do they provide tools on how to better deal with stress. In addition, most (if not all) medications – both prescription drugs and over the counter “remedies” – have significant side effects.
The American Institute of Stress has some startling data about how many people are suffering from stress and the effect it is having on their bodies. [Link] Here are some of the statistics they posted:
• 44% of Americans feel more stressed than they did 5 years ago
• 1 in 5 Americans experiences “extreme stress” (shaking, heart palpitations, depression)
• Work stress causes 10% of all strokes
• Stress is the basic cause of 60% of all human illness and disease
• 3 out of 4 doctor visits are for stress-related ailments
• Stress-related ailments cost the nation $300 billion every year in medical bills and lost productivity
Just that information alone is true cause for concern, as we can see what a real problem stress has become for large portions of the population. Without an end in sight, many people are looking for alternative ways to handle stress while doing their best to avoid medications.
What are some natural ways of dealing with stress?
There are quite a few things people can do to help alleviate stress that are easy, convenient and effective. We’d like to provide some suggestions, but please note that there’s some subjectivity as to what will work best to help reduce your specific stress.
One of the best ways to deal with stress is to exercise on a (semi) regular basis. Whether you like running, swimming, hiking, lifting weights, practicing yoga, biking or a brisk walk, your body will release endorphins that will make you feel good. In addition, you will also have a sense of accomplishment after you finish exercising, and that is an amazing feeling.
Being present (or striving to be present) is an effective tool when dealing with the challenges of stress. Many times people who feel stressed out become hyper-focused on something that took place in the past, or else they are worried about the future. By shifting the focus to the present moment, one can obtain a different perspective. In a previous blog post titled “The Power Of Being Present”, we go into detail about what this means and provide information on how to become more aware of and centered in the present moment. If you find yourself constantly thinking about the past or future, we advise that you read through this article as well.
Here is a list of other things you can do to help alleviate stress: write/journal about how you are feeling; spend time with loved ones and family; practice breathing exercises; seek help from a skilled professional; sit outside in nature; spend time with pets; relax and get acupuncture.
Can acupuncture help relieve stress?
Acupuncture is an effective and natural way of alleviating stress. Eastern medicine takes a holistic approach towards dealing with people experiencing stress. Instead of just relieving the symptoms, a licensed acupuncturist will provide a treatment that brings peace and harmony to the entire body while resolving the root issue.
One remarkable feature that acupuncture has on the body is its ability to affect the nervous system, which is comprised of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for a person’s ability to respond to stress and either fight or take flight. The problem is that many people are permanently stuck in fight or flight mode; this directly inhibits their ability to relax. Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system, allowing the body to switch over to be guided by the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the system that is responsibility for resting and relaxing, providing the body an opportunity to calm down and return to balance.
At Above & Beyond Acupuncture, we specialize in the treatment of anxiety, stress and depression by providing an array of holistic treatment methods. We have helped many patients experiencing stress who were seeking alternative ways to get relief. Our goal is not only to alleviate the symptoms of these common ailments but to target the source of the distress and provide tools so that people are better equipped at handling it.
If you’ve been feeling stressed out and are in the Scottsdale, Phoenix or Tempe area, please give us a call or use our online scheduler to setup an appointment at your earliest convenience. We are ready and able to help you feel better!
