Stress is our body’s way of responding to life’s demands, be it physical, mental or environmental. In small bursts it can help us get through sticky situations but if left untreated, stress can become a chronic condition and can start causing serious health repercussions.
In today's world, stress is remarkably higher and more constant than ever.
From the inability to control rush-hour traffic, delays with the subway or bus system, having to deal with a hostile boss or coworker and meeting deadlines, all while trying to juggle our personal lives, can leave us feeling drained and it begins to challenge our health. Medical research shows that this consistent stress causes our white blood cells to decrease reducing our ability to defend against viruses and lowering our immune system.
Some signs that one might experiencing an overload of stress:
Muscle tension Grinding teeth, clenching.
Fatigue Racing heart
Dizziness Cold and sweaty palms
Feeling of “being out of it” Trembling/shaking
Trouble sleeping Increase or loss of appetite
Relentless stress can ultimately lead to more serious health issues, like:
Anxiety and Depression Digestive disorders
Chronic pain/aches Menstrual disharmonies
Headaches/Migraines Sexual dysfunction
Cardiovascular problems Skin conditions
While these health issues can be treated using medications and other clinical approaches, a large number of people have turned to traditional techniques like Acupuncture as a safe, effective and drug-free alternative.
It is now scientifically proven that Acupuncture can undoubtedly help relieve stress. The study published by the National Center for Biotechnolog shows that Acupuncture can decrease stress reaction in human and animal subjects. This study also established that acupuncture plays a role in increasing short term Heart Rate Variability (HRV) during and after needling. This indicates a relative decrease in physiologic stress.
Unlike allopathic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the human body contains a vital energy force called "Qi" that runs through a meridian system. When the body and mind are balanced, the Qi properly flows through these channels, but if disrupted, will become stagnant leading to physical and/or mental disharmonies, and of which stress, is one of the main culprits.
In order to address the stagnation, stimulation of certain acupuncture points along the blocked channels is applied with acupuncture needles, thus regulating the flow to once again restore health and balance.
How Acupuncture helps:
Lowers stress hormones Reliefs muscle tension
Moderates mood Boosts immune system Reliefs headaches Enhances mental acuity
Boosts energy Helps with sleep
It is very important to have a stress-management plan, such as some form of exercise, meditation and breathing strategies as part of a weekly routine. In addition, including regular acupuncture and/or massage sessions into your schedules will only strongly reinforce your well-being by further nurturing your body and mind.
At Alquimia we not only offer acupuncture and massage to help deal with stress and its many disorders, but have specifically created a signature treatment called ReSeT™. This 90 minute signature treatment combines three modalites (acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy). It focuses solely on helping one reboot by specifically addressing their stress and muscle tension while enhancing their mental clarity. A treatment that will promote a sense of complete well-being.
If interested in an Acupuncture, or Massage, feel free to schedule an appointment online.