Almost everyone experiences stress at certain times of their lives. The past year alone has brought stress to millions of individuals around the world.
According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2020, nearly 8 in 10 Americans say the coronavirus pandemic is a significant source of stress in their life. For many of us, our bodies have been in a constant state of fight or flight, which could lead to illnesses. Stress, anxiety, insomnia, and/or other factors create an imbalance in the flow of energy and blood through the body. By listening to signals your body is giving you, the root cause can be found. Acupuncture can be a great way to ease stress. It improves body functioning by removing blockage or organ imbalances. Acupuncture can decrease stress by releasing endorphins or natural pain killer chemicals in the brain. This therapy improves blood circulation throughout the body and boosts the amount of oxygen in tissues.
A common acupuncture point for stress is Si Shen Cong also known as Four Alert Spirit. The set of 4 acupuncture points calm the spirit and are commonly used for emotional support and insomnia.
The points are located 1 thumb breadth posterior, anterior, and lateral from the midpoint of the head in line with the apex of the ears.
Recommended Herb
A Chinese Herb called Calm may be a good addition to your Acupuncture treatment plan. Call or stop by the clinic to discuss if this is a good product to add to your daily routine to manage stress!
Clinical Applications
- Stress, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness
- General symptoms associated with stress, such as poor appetite, headache, tension, and insomnia
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with breast distension, irritability and/or mood swings
Western Therapeutic Actions
- Calming effect to relieve restlessness and irritability
- Anxiolytic function to relieve stress, nervousness and anxiety
- Analgesic action to relieve pain, headache and muscle tension associated with stress
Chinese Therapeutic Actions
- Spreads Liver qi
- Nourishes Liver blood
- Clears heat
- Harmonizes middle jiao