A holistic approach

Evidence Based Oriental Medicine

How Can Acupuncture Help Those Experiencing High Levels of Stress?

How does acupuncture help those experiencing stress?

A form of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is the process of inserting very thin needles into the skin at specific points of the body. The needles are used to balance energy, stimulate nerves and connective tissues, and increase the release of natural healing chemicals. Practiced for thousands of years, acupuncture has been shown to successfully treat everything from neck pain to allergies to headaches and can be combined with other natural treatments like cupping, herbal medicine, and massage. 

Studies have shown that Americans are experiencing some of the highest stress levels in history. With the ongoing pandemic, political and economic uncertainty, and fast-paced lifestyles that focus little on rest and rejuvenation, those of all ages and backgrounds are suffering from the effects of acute, ongoing stress. High stress levels can lead to depression, anxiety, and headaches as well as increase chances of developing diabetes, heart problems, and other chronic diseases. Fortunately, lowering your stress levels is possible with lifestyle changes, therapy, meditation, and alternative medicine. One of the most promising natural treatments for high stress levels is acupuncture. 

As with most complex conditions, high stress levels need to be treated on multiple levels. In addition to natural medicine such as herbs, cupping, and acupuncture, stress can also be mitigated by lifestyle changes. For example, someone who is experiencing stress may need to quit their job, improve or end a relationship, take more time to focus on hobbies, improve quality or quantity of sleep, or improve their diet and exercise programs. The proper way to treat stress will differ from person to person as stress never has a single cause.  

Tips on choosing an acupuncture provider 

Do you want to reduce your stress levels and are interested in trying acupuncture? If so, it’s crucial that you choose a practitioner who is experienced, professional, and has a proven track record of treating stress with acupuncture. Here are some ways to ensure you choose the best practitioner for your needs:

• Research the practitioners experience, education, and background. Dr. Yueshan Ha, the main acupuncture practitioner at our clinic, has more than 20 years of experience in alternative medicine and has eight years of education in the field of acupuncture. He also is a recognized authority in conducting clinical trials to determine how the body responds to natural medicine.

• Ask for referrals. Knowing that others have gotten results with a certain practitioner is a good way to determine whether they will be a good fit for you as well. Of course, not everyone has the same wants and needs or responds to therapies in the same way, so always keep this in mind when talking to others about their experience.

• What other therapies the clinic offers. If you want the true traditional Chinese medicine experience, you need to go to a clinic that offers acupuncture from trained practitioners as well as complementary therapies like cupping and herbal medicine. If the clinic has more ‘med-spa’ type services, you will likely not get the results you want.

Though it is experienced by the majority of Americans to some degree, stress is not something you need to live with. If left unchecked, it can seriously damage your health and your overall well-being. If you’d like to try acupuncture in a professional environment, please book an appointment at our clinic today so our expert staff can help. 

Acupuncture can help those experiencing stress in a variety of ways. First, it can release natural pain-killing and mood-boosting endorphins. Second, it can improve circulation and oxygenate tissues while helping the body release toxins and cortisol that can increase stress levels. Acupuncture also facilitates the movement of Qi (energy) throughout the body and promote a more balanced inner environment.

Studies have shown that acupuncture regimens can reduce stress in those who are undergoing embryo transfers and subsequently improving pregnancy rates. Another study looked at those working at large college campuses who were experiencing high levels of stress. After 12 weeks acupuncture, subjects had a substantial decrease in their perceived stress scores.                 

What is acupuncture?