Research
Update: Acupuncture and Stress
A study
published in the Annals of Yoga and Physical Therapy looked at how acupuncture
treatments affect stress levels in administrative workers at a local
hospital. The study included 58
participants who reported high levels of stress associated with their jobs. The
participants were treated with eight weeks of auricular acupuncture. After the eight acupuncture sessions, the
workers reported their stress levels had decreased from high to moderate. The
study hypothesizes that reduced stress levels are associated with regular
acupuncture treatments due to the release of neurotransmitters in the body.
This study and many others are providing evidence that acupuncture can indeed decrease
stress levels and improve overall health.
Stress is
defined as either pressure or tension exerted on an object or a state of mental
or emotional strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
Here are
some facts from the Global Organization for Stress:
● Americans report higher levels of
stress than most countries around the globe.
● Surveys show that nearly one out of
75 people worldwide experience panic attacks.
● Stress in American teenagers is now
one of the top health concerns and it is being found that teenagers
experiencing stress are more likely to develop long-term health problems.
● We all experience stress in our
lives.
● But learning how to deal with it can
be crucial for a happy, healthy life.
One way to
deal with stress involves the use of a 3,000 year old medical system, known as
Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM. TCM uses many different modalities or
tools to treat the human mind and body. The most commonly used modality is
acupuncture and while acupuncture is still not widely accepted in the United
States, it is gaining ground.
Studies show
acupuncture can reduce stress when used regularly. The Journal of Endocrinology
published a study showing stress hormones, like cortisol, were lower in rats
that had received electroacupuncture. The use of electroacupuncture actually
blocked the chronic stress hormones in the rats. It does the exact same thing
for humans.
Specific
acupuncture points on the body are better for relieving stress and are used
frequently by licensed practitioners. One of these points is Yin Tang. Yin Tang
is located directly between the inner edges of the eyebrows and is a reflex
point of the pituitary gland. Yin Tang calms the mind and relaxes the body by
helping control hormone secretions.
Another
acupuncture point, Kidney 1, is not as frequently used because of its location,
however, it can work wonders for decreasing stress. Kidney 1 is located on the
bottom of the foot, at the junction of the anterior one third and posterior two
thirds of the line connecting the base of the second and third toes and the
heel. This point is VERY sensitive, but it has amazing properties. Kidney 1 can
sedate and calm the mind, while also regulating blood flow to the upper part of
the body also known as the brain.
There are
other tools TCM practitioners can use to relieve stress, such as cupping and
herbs, although acupuncture and acupressure tend to work the fastest. Ask me to
find out more!
CITATION: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Cleria_Maria_Bittar2/publication/319186420_Annals_of_Yoga_and_Physical_Therapy/links/599a18daa6fdcc261586b19b/Annals-of-Yoga-and-Physical-Therapy.pdf
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