Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Panic Attacks
Mood Swings
Sleep Disturbances
When facing a life threatening situation the brain sends a chemical signal releasing stress hormones into the bloodstream. This reaction is called the flight or fight response. Your concentration becomes more focused, reaction times faster, and strength and agility increase. When the life threatening situation ends hormonal signals are switched off and the body returns to normal. There can be internal or external stressors that cause this response. Internal stressors include, pain and inflammation. External stressors, include temperatures and psychological environments.
In today’s society this stress responses don’t always let up, problems with work, money and relationships keep stress hormones high, giving the body no chance to relax and recuperate. If these stressors persist over a period of time, problems such as, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, mood swings, sleep disturbances can arise.
Acupuncture can be used to break this cycle. When we get stressed, we usually tense up; this causes blood and energy (Qi) to get stuck. This restricts the energy flow to our body impairing emotional responses, sleeping patterns and energy levels.
Acupuncture effectively treats disorders caused by stress by releasing blocked energy, allowing it to flow freely throughout the body. The calming and restorative effect on the sympathetic nervous system helps you cope better with stressful situations. Cravings for alcohol, food and other substances are reduced, helping you feel more relaxed, allowing blood pressure and tempers to stay even.