Stress

What is Stress? 

Stress is a normal and natural response to life’s challenges, and in moderation, it can help us stay alert, focused, and ready to respond to threats. Stress engages our fight/flight response – which is very useful when necessary – ie you are being chased by a lion. However, prolonged or excessive stress can take a serious toll on our bodies and health. When the lion is no longer chasing us, it doesn’t help us to remain in that fight/flight response. When stress becomes chronic, it not only affects our mental well-being but also has widespread impacts on our physical health. Understanding stress and exploring effective ways to manage it, such as acupuncture, can be essential in promoting a healthier, more balanced life. 

Side Effects of Chronic Stress 

Chronic stress can negatively impact almost every system within the body. Below are some of the common side effects of prolonged stress: 

1. Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, memory, concentration issues, and sleep disturbances. 

2. Physical Health Complications: Increased risk of heart disease, weakened immune system, digestive issues, muscle tension, and headaches. 

3. Hormonal Imbalances: Disrupted cortisol levels can lead to fatigue, weight changes, low energy, changes to menstrual cycle and fertility. 

Acupuncture for stress  

Acupuncture targets specific points on the body to promote relaxation and balance. Acupuncture  taps into the bodies central nervous system and can help shift the body into a more parasympathetic dominant state and therefore help to reduce stress. Here’s more on how it can help reduce stress: 

1. Hormone Regulation: Acupuncture can help to balance cortisol and boosts endorphins and serotonin, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. 

2. Physical Tension Relief: Acupuncture works to alleviates muscle tension, helping to reducing stress-related pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. 

3. Improved Sleep: Acupuncture has been shown to aid in treating insomnia by calming the nervous system, leading to better sleep quality. 

4. Mood Enhancement: acupuncture boosts natural mood-lifting chemicals, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. 

5. Immune Support: Acupuncture can assist in supporting immune function, counteracting the stress-induced immune suppression. 

In summary: 

Stress is a natural response to things in the environment aimed to help our survival, but in todays society stress to become chronic and no longer aids our survival but rather becomes a detriment to our health.   If you are feeling stressed, it’s important to understand the implications that long term stress can have on your body.  Chinese medicine and acupuncture can be useful tool in helping to regulate the nervous system and alleviate stress.  

For more information or assistance in stress management feel free to get in touch or come visit the Red Door Clinic in Caulfield.  

*Disclaimer: Each individuals treatment and/or results may vary depending on the specific presentation of the patient. No results can be promised or guaranteed from receiving treatment.