Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety
Bring Balance to Your Life with Acupuncture
At one moment or another in life, everyone will experience stress. Feelings of stress and Anxiety are a healthy response to situations that may feel out of our control. This is all part of our bodies hardwiring, the fight or flight response. When we are healthy and the stress is short-lived, there is minimal strain to our overall health. However, when moments of stress are extreme or last for longer periods of time, our emotional wellbeing and eventually, our physical health begin to suffer.
While our flight or fight response worked well for our ancestors, it does not serve us as well in a modern life. A person can feel stressed at work, by their personal relationships or perhaps from nagging problems or worrisome situations that are unresolved. These stresses tend to be long-term, and as a result, we find ourselves in a constant state of flight or fight. Over time, the constant state of stress takes its toll. The body’s stress hormones elevate, blood pressure increases, and our immune function is suppressed. Left untreated, these symptoms become worse and can develop into anxiety, depression, fatigue, digestive problems, and tension headaches.
What to expect from my treatment
Stress treatments are 30 minutes. Once the needles are inserted, you will begin to feel a relaxed state as you transition from the fight or flight state to one of rest and digest. The lights are low and soft music plays, most patients quickly fall into a state of deep and total relaxation. While you are resting, the acupuncture needles are working to balance your whole body. The treatment will focus on addressing the origin of the problem, while at the same time reducing symptoms that are affecting your health and well-being.
How Many Treatments will I Need?
Most patients feel the effects of an acupuncture stress treatment immediately. After treatment, many people feel a calm relaxed state and at the same time restored to their more natural self. This feeling can last anywhere from hours to days. You may also notice an immediate improvement in muscle tension and your overall energy level. With a regular course of treatment, the effects will be longer lasting and more cumulative. In most cases, coming for treatment once a week is sufficient. Duration of treatment depends on the individual. The severity of symptoms and the effects stress has had on your health determine how quickly your condition will be resolved. Once you come for a few visits, you and your acupuncturist will see how you are responding and a more definite treatment plan can be established.
How is a stress treatment different from a customary acupuncture appointment?
Traditional acupuncture points are used as standard protocol for the treatment of stress and anxiety. These points are the same on each patient and meant only to treat stress and anxiety. A customary acupuncture appointment deals with other health concerns and may treat several conditions in one session. It also requires a full medical intake and the treatment will use a verity of complex point combinations.