Acupuncture for Stress

When it comes to dealing with stress, we’ve got a lot of techniques from conventional approaches like yoga, meditation, and hypnotherapy, to alternative treatments like acupuncture and hypnoacupuncture. Acupuncture involves inserting extremely thin needles into specific points to unblock the flow of qi or life force. Read up on using acupuncture for stress.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR STRESS

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works by supporting the flow of chi or energy throughout the body.

When chi is blocked, this can lead to symptoms such as muscle tension, irritability, headaches, and restlessness.

Physiologically speaking, acupuncture may release endorphins and serotonin which makes you feel relaxed and shuts off the body’s stress response. This is the same basis for using acupuncture to alleviate pain.

Moreover, a revolutionary 2013 study on rats explained acupuncture’s biological mechanism of action. It turns out that this age-old practice blocks the increase in the hormones released by the HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands) during times of stress.

Interestingly, we’ve found a number of studies supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving stress.

A 2013 study in hypertensive patients studied the heart rate variability and noted a significant drop in their physiologic stress after several acupuncture sessions. Their treatment schedule was twice weekly for 2 weeks, then weekly for 6 weeks, then monthly.

In 2017, a US study on university students concluded that acupuncture lowered their reported stress levels considerably. This effect continued even 3 months after treatment.

More recently, a 2020 pilot study also found that it can help lower the chronic stress of adults.

Acupuncture for Stress

RISKS AND BENEFITS 

While acupuncture has been an established alternative treatment, it does come with some risks and other benefits. But you can avoid most of the risks if you go to a licensed acupuncturist.

Yes, because aside from being certified and highly skilled, they use sterile, disposable needles.

As for side effects, you may have soreness, pain, and bruising. So, if you suffer from a bleeding disorder or have a pacemaker, acupuncture is a no-no.

But performed correctly, acupuncture is safe. Moreover, it doesn’t require a lot of preparation and you can combine it with other treatments, like hypnotherapy, and medication.

Carla Chalah of Hemisphere Hypnotherapy and EveryBody in Mind Wellness Center, and Allyson Nevard, acupuncturist, and owner of Good Chi Acupuncture, both Sudbury, Massachusetts, award-winning business owners, provide a unique approach by offering hypnoacupuncture which is a collaboration of hypnotherapy and acupuncture.

Aside from stress, acupuncture can be used for anxiety, pain, acid reflux, insomnia, and even allergies.

Hypnoacupuncture – Sudbury, Massachusetts

ACUPRESSURE POINTS FOR STRESS 

Now, let’s talk about some common acupuncture points used for stress. Do remember though that your acupuncturist can personalize your treatment depending on your condition and symptoms.

Acupuncture for Stress

HEART 7 (HT7)

Heart 7 regulates and tonifies heart blood and chi.

You can find this in the crease on the outer part of your wrist. It’s along the area between your ring and pinkie. It’s also useful for emotional issues like worry and anxiety.

Acouncture Heart 7 HT7

NEI GUAN (PC6)

Next, we have Nei Guan or Pericardium 6.

If Heart 7 is on the outer part of your wrist, this one is on the inner part. To find it, put the first three fingers of your other hand across your wrist. Then, put your thumb there and feel for two tendons.

Nei Guan Pericardium 6

YIN TANG

While the other two are on the wrist, you can find Yin Tang, also known as Extra-1, midway between your eyebrows.

Yin Tang Extra-1

Did you know in Hindu culture associates this location with the third eye?

EveryBody in Mind Wellness Center offers Ajna Light shamanic meditation which stimulates the third eye/pineal gland!

Now that you know the acupuncture points, you might be wondering how often you’d need to go for treatment. Well, typically it’s once or twice a week.

If you’re interested in managing your stress with acupuncture, you can just book a session with Allyson Nevard.