Stress is a normal part of being human. Our built-in stress responses like increased heart rate and blood pressure, mental acuity, and heightened focus help us respond in emergencies and deliver results quickly in a time of high importance. It can make us feel awake, engaged, vital, and highly skilled when we experience it in small doses.
However, when stress is a constant companion, the chemicals that our bodies release, namely – norepinephrine, cortisol and adrenaline can cause harm over time.
Effects of chronic stress could include any of the following:
· Upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, heartburn, or other gut issues
· Rapid heart rate or chest pain
· Feeling frazzled or unfocused
· Forgetfulness or feeling disorganized
· Clenching your jaw or teeth grinding
· Constant worry
· Trouble sleeping
· Sore and tense muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders
· Loss of sexual desire or reduced function
· More colds or seasonal illness than usual
· Eating disorders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Do you experience any of the symptoms on the list? If so, acupuncture may be able to proactively reduce your stress. Acupuncture has helped countless people reduce stress and improve overall well-being for centuries. Here are just some of ways acupuncture can help with stress and anxiety relief:
Yes, there are needles, but they don’t hurt. We use very fine needles inserted just under the skin to stimulate our body’s acupressure points. After an evaluation, the best points to place the needles on your body will be determined and you’ll lie on a padded table. Needles will be placed with a light tap at each site. The needles are so fine that you’ll barely feel it. There may be one or two that feels “strong” or something like a mosquito bite, but that’s about it.
Acupuncture sessions provide a scheduled relaxation time. In addition to the healing effects of the needles, the session itself can calm and relax you. After the needles are placed, you’ll rest and allow the effect of the treatment to unfold. During this time, you can listen to soft music, rest your eyes, or even fall lightly asleep.
There are virtually no side-effects with acupuncture. Since acupuncture is a drug-free treatment, you won’t have to worry about the side effects that many drugs carry. You can rest assured there will not be any adverse drug interactions with your current medications.
Acupuncture uses your body’s internal mechanisms to bring relief. When the fine needles stimulate nerves under the skin, the nerve sends a message to the brain, telling it to release our natural pain killers, called endorphins. These natural brain chemicals cause us to relax and feel euphoric or happy. Acupuncture also helps our body naturally reduce inflammation and pain which can increase with chronic stress.
Going to your appointment means taking much needed time for yourself. Unlike popping a pill and resuming your hectic day, scheduling and attending an acupuncture appointment adjusts your focus back on yourself. Part of reducing stress is changing our mindsets and habits. Not only is acupuncture effective in changing your internal stress-induced chemistry but maintaining a consistent treatment schedule helps you make time for yourself and re-prioritize your stressful habits.
You are unique – your treatment should be too. Trying something new can feel a little daunting at first, and at Opp Family Chiropractic, we take that to heart. We’ll answer all your questions and make sure you feel totally comfortable with our treatment recommendations. After a detailed history of your symptoms and lifestyle, we’ll discover where and how to conduct treatment based on your precise needs and concerns. We’ll also make a recommendation for follow-up care with your best interests, budget, and whole-person wellness in mind.
So if you’re interested in trying a natural way to reduce your stress, please contact our office we’ll be happy to schedule a convenient time and recommend a plan that is just right for you.
-Dr. Tom DeWall, Chiropractor