Acupuncture for stress

Stress is a natural reaction to feeling under pressure or threat. A small amount of stress can help us to complete tasks or react faster if we’re in danger. However busy modern lives leave many people in a state of chronic stress. Having too many responsibilities, a high-pressure job, financial concerns, feelings of loneliness, family stress, traumatic events like the breakdown of a relationship or a bereavement are all common reasons to feel stressed.
There are many physical and emotional symptoms that could be a sign of stress including: frequent sickness, physical aches and pains, muscle tension, low energy, headaches, dizziness, digestive problems and skin reactions. Other signs include feeling anxious, burnt out, worried, irritable, angry, tearful or overwhelmed.
Acupuncture and stress—how it works
The autonomic nervous system has two components, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system triggers the fight-or-flight response, providing the body with a burst of energy so that it can respond to perceived dangers. The parasympathetic nervous system counteracts this response and helps to put the body back into a state of rest and relaxation. Studies have shown that acupuncture helps to regulate the parasympathetic nervous system and therefore combat stress, helping to bring the body back into a state of equilibrium.
Acupuncture has also been shown to regulate the secondary component of the stress response system: the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal glands (the HPA axis). This system releases several hormones (including cortisol) which serve to keep the body on high alert. Chronic low-level stress keeps the HPA axis activated. After a while, this has an effect on the body that contributes to the health problems associated with chronic stress.
Acupuncture for stress—what to expect
Acupuncture is a holistic treatment and the initial consultation involves taking a detailed case history looking at all elements of your physical and emotional health. Treatment will also include diet and lifestyle advice to help you manage lifes stresses in the best way possible.
Even if your main reason for coming is acupuncture for stress, the treatment will look to benefit you as a whole person and many people report ‘feeling better in themselves’, have more energy, sleep more soundly, and have improved digestion.