Stress
Stress is endemic in modern society. There are many illnesses that are stress-related. In Chinese medicine stress is related to the liver.
It is said, “disharmony of the Liver is the cause of 10,000 illnesses.”
Chronic Stress
Almost 90 percent of all visits to primary health care providers are due to stress-related problems. Heavy traffic, work deadlines and credit card statements are not life threatening, but our bodies do not know the difference. This is chronic stress, and over time the repetition of the “fight or flight” response begins to alter our everyday physiology and health.
Each of us has the ability to manage most stressful situations by altering the way we respond to them. Ask yourself, what am I doing that prevents me from relaxing? And, What am I not doing that could help me relax?
Determine what is causing stress in your life.
There may be particular situations; people or events that make you feel nervous, anxious or fearful, be aware of what triggers you. Strengthen your support system, communicate with family and friends. Open up. Learn to express thoughts and feelings. Learn your limits. Don’t be afraid to say “no.” Simplify your life. Improve lifestyle habits. Increasing physical activity and eating healthy can do wonders for stress. Laugh it off. Take a break from the media. Try mind-body exercises such as breath work, meditation and yoga. Eliminate caffeine and other stimulants. Increase intake of essential fatty acids and B vitamins.
Receiving Acupuncture treatments specifically designed for your body can help to change the way you respond to stress.
A study was conducted using ear acupuncture to relieve the stress and anxiety in patients being transported to the hospital in ambulances. In some patients (the acupuncture group) real acupuncture points were used, while in others (the control group), bogus points were used. On arrival, the stress level in the acupuncture group decreased 66%. In contrast, the stress level in the control group increased 10%. Such studies indicate the effectiveness of acupuncture in stress treatment. — Anesthesiology (June 2003)