Conditions That Acupuncture Treats

Chronic Stress

When the pressures we face in our daily lives begin to add up, it is incredibly easy to feel overwhelmed, unhappy, and anxious about the little and big things. Long-term stress can pose a significant risk to an individual’s health, as stress can cause organ damage, weaken the immune system, and also increase their risk of developing cancer. Chronic stress can also lead to frustration, low energy levels, and moodiness, which can also lead to the development of anxiety and depression. Rather than taking antidepressants or other prescribed medications, acupuncture offers effective stress relief that is natural without any side effects. For one, many individuals have found acupuncture to be a soothing and relaxing treatment, especially when we feel exhausted and stressed due to work, exertion, or our personal lives. Acupuncture can help treat stress as it provides support and reenergizes the body, as this alternative treatment uses energy points to increase one’s energy levels by inserting small, thin needles into specific points along the body.

One lab study published in the Journal of Endocrinology discovered that the participants who endured acupuncture following a stressful event had lowered blood hormone levels secreted by the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls our reactions to stress and regulates our immune system, digestion, emotions, moods, and sexuality. The study also discovered the stress response of “fight or flight” was also dramatically reduced when acupuncture was performed as well. The authors further went on to explain that electronic acupuncture blocks the chronic, stress-induced elevations of the HPA axis hormones and the NPY pathways, concluding that acupuncture is an effective form of treating chronic stress.