Acupuncture is known as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for centuries as a treatment for various types of conditions. Extensive research has been conducted in many parts of the world, demonstrating that acupuncture may help improve the symptoms of stress.
Is acupuncture the best alternative treatment for stress?
Practitioners of acupuncture believe that this treatment can help relieve stress by promoting the free movement of qi in our bodies. In fact, if the energy flows smoothly throughout our body, it is believed that the disease and stress will scatter, and natural healing will occur.
However, an imbalance qi can lead to various diseases and stress. Some of the most common symptoms of stress include:
- Muscle tension
- Restlessness
- Distractedness
- Irritability
- Headaches
Improving the flow of qi can bring relief, and this is done through triggering acupoints. It is essential to trigger the areas of stagnation where energy is not flowing correctly. The stimulation of acupoints can release happy hormones, natural chemicals that are safe and can relax and turn off the stress response.
Mind and body benefits
According to Dr. Shari Auth, co-founder of the New York City Acupuncture Society, “we spend most of our time racing to work or doing other mentally challenging activities, which could trigger our fight or flight nervous system. Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that can help relax and shift us close to the parasympathetic or rest-and-digest nervous system”. Learn more here about workplace stress.
The change in the composition of our neurochemistry can increase our happy hormones, such as epinephrine and serotonin. This will decrease our primary stress hormone, which is commonly known as cortisol.
In addition, acupuncture can help increase serotonin, which may lower or alleviate the symptoms of depression. According to Dr Auth, many people who undergo acupuncture feel happier and relaxed due to gamma aminobutyric acid or relaxation amino acid.
Therefore, acupuncture may be beneficial for people who want to mitigate the repercussions of stress created by our daily lives. For many people, acupuncture is an essential tool for both mental and physical well being because it creates a peaceful, safe environment where you can re-energise and de-stress.
Things to consider before you try acupuncture
Before you decide to undergo an acupuncture treatment, we recommend doing some research into practitioners in your area. You can look up registered practitioners through the AHPRA website https://www.ahpra.gov.au/
There are many local acupuncturists who have experience in stress reduction, so contact a practitioner near you today to organise your first appointment!