Acupuncture helps Holiday Stress
Source: Healthcare Review
http://www.healthcarereview.com/2011/01/acupuncture-a-tool-to-stress-proof-your-holidays/
The joys of the holiday season are often accompanied by increased demands that result in holiday stress. Busy schedules of events, shopping, entertaining and family affairs can leave us overwhelmed.
If you are feeling the effects of holiday stress, you are not alone. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, holiday stressors increase already high anxiety levels in many people. Additionally, those who experience elevated levels of stress rate their mental and physical health lower than those not experiencing stress – citing symptoms such as sadness, sleep problems and lack of energy.
Taking care of yourself with exercise, adequate sleep, relaxation and a careful diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables are all ways to keep stress in check. However, these healthy behaviors can be challenging during the holidays. For that reason, acupuncture is a great tool for stress relief during hectic times, serving as an effective coping method by helping to maintain a sense of calm and well-being.
Acupuncture is a time-proven holistic medical technique that works with the body’s inherent healing abilities through the painless insertion of small acupuncture needles followed by heat and massage. Multiple studies have found acupuncture to be particularly effective in treating stress, which researchers define as a physical, mental or emotional response to events which then cause mental or bodily tension. Stress can be manifested in a variety of ways: physically, mentally or emotionally. Common physical symptoms include headache, insomnia, digestive problems, muscle tension or pain and fatigue. Mental-emotional responses due to stress may include anxiety, anger, depression, irritability, overreaction to everyday problems, lack of concentration and memory loss.
Several studies suggest that acupuncture can work to activate the parasympathetic (“rest and digest” response) nervous system, providing deep relaxation. Findings indicate that acupuncture may actually activate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals. In addition, acupuncture is shown to improve circulation which oxygenates the tissues and cycles out toxins. The calming effect of acupuncture can help decrease the heart rate, lower blood pressure and relax the muscles. This combination has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of cluster headaches, reduce stress and anxiety related to surgery and chemotherapy treatment and increase total sleep time and sleep efficiency.
As a result of acupuncture, clients feel more rested and prepared for the holidays and new year to come.
