STRESS

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Stress can sometimes be used as a catch-all word for many symptoms but the fact is that stress is very real and causes a whole host of conditions. Stress can be the starting point for all types of anxiety, depression, hypertension, lethargy, addiction, obesity, muscle pain etc. The list is very long and this is why it is fundamental that everyone actively adopts some form of stress management. 

Symptoms of Stress   

Common stress symptoms include irritability, muscular tension, inability to concentrate and a variety of physical reactions, such as headaches and accelerated heart rate. Anxiety, depression and a fuzzy or confused mind can also be caused by stress. 

What Causes us to Feel Stressed?   

When you face a challenging situation, your body releases chemicals, including cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These chemicals raise the fight or flight feelings that help you to deal with the situation. However, if you are in a situation where you cannot fight or escape, these chemicals are not used. These chemicals accumulate from not being used and their effects are felt by the body. That is how you feel stressed.   In Chinese Medicine, human emotions are closely related to the organs. Liver, whose main function is to store blood and maintain the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, is predominantly associated with stress. Negative emotions like anger and sadness can directly affect the Liver, causing a stagnation of Liver energy, which is often the underlying factor for stress as well as for depression and anxiety. If you are suffering from stress then you may even feel a dull ache under your right rib cage as the liver is being affected. The main concern of well-being in Chinese medicine is the interrelated balance within the body between its mental, emotional and physical components. In scientific terms, a healthy body regulates its metabolism and hormonal systems by the balancing acts of releasing the correct amount of cortisol, adrenaline and neurotransmitters such as endorphins. Excessive stimuli caused by a traumatic event or problem can lead to confusion and chaos within the body. Less than 20% of people can effectively cope with crises. Stress increases the heart rate as much as heavy physical exercise.   

Treatments for Stress  

 According to Chinese Medical theory, acupuncture can provide the balance because of its two-way regulation effects on the body’s metabolism and hormonal systems. It is proven now that acupuncture releases endorphins and other neurotransmitters. Stress leads to many chronic syndromes, or chronic illnesses classified by Chinese medicine. The Kidney is responsible for the energetic function and the Spleen is the housekeeper of the body’s immune system, taking its nutrients from the Stomach. Low resistance to infection caused by stress can be addressed by regulating the Spleen and Kidney. Emotional and mental disorders can be regulated through the Liver and Heart meridians. All of these considerations form a holistic approach to the treatment of stress. 

According to Chinese Medicine theory, acupuncture can be prescribed to soothe and tonify the body so that you can better cope with stress. Special attention is usually directed towards clearing Liver qi stagnation.   The treatment can naturally calm the body and bring about feelings of well-being. Things like diet and lifestyle will be taken into account. We also offer Zen Shiatsu treatments, a Japanese form of advanced acupressure combined with energy work that is very relaxing. At Bubbling Spring Acupuncture Clinic, the treatment is tailored to your individual symptoms and requirements, and may also involve a combination of treatment types.   

Client Feedback 

'From the first treatment, I felt like a new person. Helen takes into account everything that is going on physically and mentally, and adapts treatment accordingly to give great results. Helen has a very calming, sympathetic manner and is happy to answer questions. I am very pleased to have found Helen and wish I had come to her sooner... I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her' C.J.

'I have seen Helen weekly for the last five weeks. I have been going through a real stressful time. I can not recommend Helen highly enough! She has been absolutely brilliant. The acupuncture has helped so much. I feel calmer and more centred. Sleep after a treatment is really good ?. I plan to go once a month now for a top up appointment.' L.S

'Helen is an incredibly knowledgeable and intuitive acupuncturist. My sessions with her have been deeply healing.' J.C.    

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