Have you noticed your cortisol levels rise as you go about your day? Your
heart beats a little faster, your breathing becomes a little rougher, perhaps
your skin has a tingly feeling, your attention bats from one thing to another,
never fully engaging with the present moment. Whether it is high-speed travel
to drop your kids off at school or sports practice or taking your aging parent to
yet another doctor’s appointment for an illness that doesn’t seem to be going
away, your body responds to psychological, emotional, and physical stress in
a variety of interconnected ways. From headaches to digestive upset to
anxiety or sleep disturbance, your body is giving you a signal that it needs
attention, and it needs restoration.
In our fast-paced lives, stress can often feel like an insurmountable hurdle,
affecting our well-being and quality of life. For those accustomed to Western
medicine, exploring alternative therapies may seem unfamiliar, but when it
comes to conquering stress and its related ailments, acupuncture offers a
promising avenue worth considering. At South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness
in Asheville, NC, we merge ancient wisdom with modern science to provide
you with evidence-based treatments tailored to your needs.
Bridging the Gap: Understanding Stress in Western Terms
In Western medicine, stress is recognized as more than just a feeling—it's a
physiological response that impacts every system in our bodies. When stress
becomes chronic, it can manifest in various ways, from tension headaches to
sleepless nights to heartburn or irritable bowel syndrome. These symptoms
are not merely isolated occurrences but are interconnected manifestations of
an underlying imbalance rooted in daily perceptions and experiences.
Acupuncture: Your Natural Stress Reliever
Acupuncture may seem unconventional to those accustomed to pills and
prescriptions, but its effectiveness in addressing stress-related ailments has
garnered attention from researchers worldwide.
1. Headaches: If you're plagued by tension headaches or migraines,
acupuncture could offer relief. Do your headaches appear with a
particular stimulus, or do they appear out of nowhere?
Research suggests that acupuncture can reduce the frequency and
severity of headaches by promoting relaxation and improving blood
flow^[1]^.
2. Anxiety: Feeling overwhelmed by constant worry and anxiety? Are you unable
to see the bright side or concerned that you will miss an important
detail? Anxiety shows up in a myriad of ways: tightness in the chest,
inability to focus, sleep disturbance, digestive issues, and many more.
Acupuncture may provide the calm you seek. Studies have shown that
acupuncture can modulate the body's stress response by regulating the
release of cortisol^[2]^.
3. Digestive Issues: Stress can take a toll on your digestive system,
leading to symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel
movements. These digestive symptoms interrupt your body as a whole
as well as your ability to make and store energy and, therefore your
ability to function throughout the day (and restore at night!) Acupuncture
targets specific points to regulate digestive function and alleviate
discomfort^[3]^.
4. Sleep Disturbance: Acute and Chronic stress disrupts the delicate
balance of hormones and neurotransmitters responsible for regulating
our sleep-wake cycle, leading to insomnia, fragmented sleep, and
daytime fatigue. Furthermore, sleep disturbances can exacerbate
stress, creating a vicious cycle that takes a toll on our physical and
mental well-being. Acupuncture has been shown to modulate the
activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric
acid (GABA), plays a crucial role in regulating sleep^[4]^.
The Science Behind the Needles
You may be wondering how sticking needles into your body could possibly
alleviate stress. Acupuncture works by stimulating points along pathways called channels, which correspond to specific organs, neuroanatomy networks, and systems in the body. This stimulation triggers the release of neurotransmitters and
hormones, promoting relaxation, pain relief, and improved circulation.
Embracing a Holistic Approach
At South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness, we understand that stress is not just
a mental burden—it's a physical and emotional one, too. That's why our
approach to acupuncture supports both symptom management and regulating
the root cause of your stress. If you're ready to break free from the grip of
stress and reclaim your agency and well-being, acupuncture could be the
solution you've been searching for. Let us guide you on your journey to
restored health and joyful vitality.
Remember, you do not need to wait to begin your journey to better health. Book a free 15-minute meet and greet to get started.
At South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness, you can work with one practitioner or build your own team of holistic practitioners! Reach your optimum health in person or online.
Contact us to learn more about our heart health services and how acupuncture can benefit you.
Disclaimer:
This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.
References:
1. Linde, K., Allais, G., Brinkhaus, B., Fei, Y., Mehring, M., Vertosick, E. A.,
... & White, A. R. (2016). Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type
headache. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4(4),
CD007587.
2. Eshkevari, L., Permaul, E., & Mulroney, S. E. (2013). Acupuncture
blocks cold stress-induced increases in the
hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis in the rat. Journal of
Endocrinology, 217(1), 95-104.
3. Ma, T. T., Yu, S. Y., Li, Y., Liang, F. R., Tian, X. P., Zheng, H., ... &
Guo, Y. (2014). Randomised clinical trial: an assessment of
acupuncture on specific meridian or specific acupoint vs. sham
acupuncture for treating functional dyspepsia. Alimentary Pharmacology
& Therapeutics, 39(9), 1046-1057.
4. Spence, D. W., Kayumov, L., Chen, A., Lowe, A., Jain, U., Katzman, M.
A., ... & Shapiro, C. M. (2004). Acupuncture increases nocturnal
melatonin secretion and reduces insomnia and anxiety: A preliminary
report. Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 16(1),
19-28.
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