Australian Bureau of Statistics released figures showing that stress levels in Australians are peaking more than ever. According to a study on stress and wellbeing run by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) in 2014, almost two in five Australians reported experiencing symptoms of depression. In 2015, anxiety symptoms were the highest they have ever been in the five years of the survey by APS. Acupuncture for stress relief can be a great way to help with stress naturally.
What are causes and symptoms of stress?
Stress can be a healthy response to events in our lives that may feel beyond our control. At the first sign of a threat, our sympathetic nervous system kicks into the fight or flight response. Our heart rate increases, our pupils dilate, and our digestion temporarily shuts down, directing blood to our extremities. So if need be, we can either fight what is threatening us, or turn and run if the threat is too great.
When we are healthy and the stress is short-lived, we are usually able to recover without too much impact on our overall health. However, when the stress is extreme, or if it lasts a long time, it can have damaging effects on our emotional and physical health. Resulting symptoms can be mental and emotional strain; anxiety, insomnia, exhaustion; panic attacks, dyspnea (increased breathing rate), increased heart rate, palpitations, muscle tension, pain and tremors. Some other common symptoms of stress are headache, backache, dermatological disorders, digestive and sleep disorders, depression, poor concentration, and memory loss. There is even evidence that chronic stress can lead to such long-term health problems such as hair loss, strokes, asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
How does acupuncture reduce stress?
Stress leaves an imprint on your mind and body that cannot be easily relieved without adopting a strategy to counteract it. Some people resort to food when feeling stressed and anxious. Some turn to alcohol, sleeping pills or antidepressants. However, these may only provide limited and short-term relief, often with added risk of substance dependence.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques such as acupuncture for stress relief and remedial massage may help to reduce physical, mental and emotional effects of stress. It works by inducing a relaxation response, which may assist in decreasing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and increasing energy and tissue regeneration. Acupuncture for stress relief can help manage common physical manifestations of stress in your body such as tension and pain in the neck, back and shoulders, headaches and migraines, poor digestion and more. Studies have shown acupuncture may help to stimulate the release of substances within the body to relax the body.
TCM cannot change the circumstances of a person’s life, but it can help to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety. As the heavy feelings of stress lifted, a person may feel more confidence in his ability to cope with the negative aspects of life and make necessary changes. This in turn can also help in eliminating dependence on chemical substances.
Feel free to contact us
At Baolin Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Centre, we use acupuncture, remedial massage and Chinese herbal medicines for stress relief. We also educate and encourage patients to practice regular exercise and adopt healthy eating and lifestyle habits. For more information regarding acupuncture in Perth for stress and anxiety relief please contact us at our Perth or Subiaco clinic (Perth Clinic: 9228 8828; Subiaco Clinic: 9380 4171). Alternatively, you can send us your queries through our online contact page.