Stress Management

Recently I was asked to speak about stress management at the workplace.  I could not think of a better topic to discuss and promote acupuncture as one of many ways to help with stress relief.  Acupuncture has been known to control the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) that regulates our body's response to stress signals.  Many research studies have shown and proved this mechanism.  In addition, new research in Functional MRI (fMRI) of the brain showed that by inserting thin needles to specific acupuncture points can activate or deactivate certain parts of the brain.  Now THAT is pretty neat findings!  Essentially, acupuncture therapy acts like physical therapy for the brain and the Central Nervous System (CNS).  Stress signals cause the body to release cortisol and adrenaline.  For a short while, it does not do harm to your health.  However, chronic stress signals can lead to skin issues, weight gain, excessive appetite, hypertension, insomnia, muscle tightness, headaches, indigestion, and more.  Naturally, we all have stress in our lives, but it is how we deal with stress that matters in the long term.  By incorporating acupuncture into your lifestyle can greatly alter how your body and brain handle stress that can change your health for the better.  Have you had your acupuncture therapy yet?!

~Mei-Lin Maunakea,

Image Credit to Matthew Henry