Everything in life has rhythm; seasons change and the sun rises and sets each day. The human body is no exception. From the heart beat, to the breath, to mealtimes and bed times, there's an ebb and flow of energy. This tendency towards rhythmic patterns maintains balance. Holistic health practitioners have maintained this healthy balance for thousands of years using acupuncture for stress relief.
When natural rhythms become disrupted, and the body moves at an unhealthy tempo, things shift out of balance. The body becomes stressed and qi - or natural energy flow - can be hindered or blocked completely. Toxins accumulate and the body becomes depleted. 
Chronic stress allows discomfort and disease to manifest. Receiving acupuncture for stress realigns unhealthy patterns and resets the body's qi to its natural rhythm.
Long-term Affects of Chronic Stress
Humans evolved to follow Earth's rhythms. As technology has advanced, so have inventions that work to counter natural lifestyle patterns. Lights, computers, phone rings, deadlines - these things remove humans from their natural rhythm and cause the body to exist in a state of stress.
An animal's response to stress is referred to as the "fight-or-flight response". When activated, adrenaline is released, the heart rate accelerates, blood vessels constrict, digestion is inhibited, and so on. Long-term affects of a constant state of "fight-or-flight" are linked to a series of symptoms, all of which respond positively to acupuncture:
- headaches/migraines
- neck/shoulder pain
- hypertension
- ulcers
- general fatigue
- depression
- poor sleep
- anxiety
- cancer
Acupuncture for stress works with the body's qi to balance energy flow. It unblocks areas in the body where energy is accumulating, which helps the lymph system detoxify, and restores a healthy biochemical balance. Modern studies can now demonstrate concrete examples of acupuncture for stress and its positive affects. For instance, acupuncture has been proven to release endorphins, a natural pain reliever, increase blood flow, and increase hormones. Once the body has balanced naturally, it can begin working synergistically in a health promoting pattern.
In one study, acupuncture doctors used auricular acupuncture on mothers whose children were undergoing surgery. Auricular acupuncture uses needles inserted around the ear. Not only was the stress noticeably relieved in all 43 of the women who received treatment, but their children demonstrated lower stress levels as well. This study exemplifies how energy - both positive and negative - are often unwittingly transmitted from one being to another.
Individuals who receive acupuncture for stress relief, are making a choice to relieve patterns of stress not only for themselves, but also for those closest to them. Stress can have a big impact on those around you. When you are the one stressed, you might not even recognize the impact on them. Taking care of yourself and your mood is one of the best things you can do for you and them.
If you want to learn more about acupuncture for stress relief or other treatments from naturopathic physicians, click on the link below or visit our acupuncture phoenix for a free consultation on stress relief treatments.
