ACUPUNCTURE FOR STRESS
Happy Lunar New Year, TVD! Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025. This is the year of the snake according to the lunar calendar. The snake represents wisdom, intelligence, intuition and creativity. The snake also symbolizes transformation and rebirth because of the moulting process of shedding their old skin and growing anew. This transformation and shedding of the old may cause some people to feel stress and discomfort. Life changes or doing something new can cause stress. Although not a new experience, writing a fabulous article for the TVD community is causing some stress and anxiety. My mind is going blank, and my shoulders are rising up to my ears.
When stress enters our lives, it can have negative physical and mental consequences such as muscle tightness (which I’m feeling now), insomnia, digestive issues, lack of focus (another symptom I am having), and irritability, just to name a few. Stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelmedness are normal; however, when they interfere with our daily well-being, it is time to take action. Be back in a bit….Time for some acupuncture.
Acupuncture can help prevent or minimize the negative symptoms of stress by releasing the body’s natural hormone called endorphins. Endorphins block pain signals to the brain as well as increase feelings of well being. When endorphin levels are high, stress and anxiety levels decrease. Acupuncture is known to release endorphins in a painless, relaxing way. It’s effective, relaxing, and beneficial to help deal with our daily stressors such as traffic, job deadlines, school, bills, etc. However, acupuncture can also help with trauma stress.
Here I would like to highlight the work of my colleagues in southern California to deal with the stress and tragedy of the recent southern CA fires. Acupuncturists Without Borders set up free acupuncture clinics in the affected areas to help evacuees and first responders minimize stress, sleep better, and decrease pain. The emotional and physical stress of our neighbors down south is enormous and profound, and volunteer acupuncturists were there to relieve any amount of traumatic stress they could. Acupuncture cannot erase our stress, but it can help ease some of the distress that comes with it.
Many medical sources agree that acupuncture is a good remedy for stress, including Johns Hopkins Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and Harvard Health. See the links below if you would like more information.
As we enter the year of the snake, consider acupuncture as a way to transform your health. Do not let stress negatively affect you. Renew your commitment to your well-being. Let acupuncture release your endorphins. If you have any questions about acupuncture, please email me at [email protected].
Be well,
Mary Nickel, L. Ac., March, 2025
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