If there’s one thing that just about every person has in common, it has to be stress. No matter where you live, work, or what your family dynamic is, stress in one of its many forms will be a part of your life.
While some people just grin and bear it, many Australians choose to resort to the acupuncture Brighton residents rely on for stress relief. If you’re unsure how acupuncture can reduce your daily stress, then this post is a must-read.
What Exactly is Acupuncture?
You may have some idea of acupuncture, but until you understand exactly what it is, you won’t appreciate it’s benefits. At its core, acupuncture translates to “needle penetration” and refers to a process where small needles are gently inserted into specific pressure points on the body.
Placing needles into certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain known to eliminate or reduce sensitivity to the brain. This in turn promotes feelings of relaxation and also deactivates the analytical part of the brain usually responsible for anxiety. The needling process also reduces your body’s sensitivity to pain.
Minimize Stress in a Few Quick Sessions
A study done in 2020-21 has shown that more than half of Australians (59%) suffer at least one major stressor every 12 months. Findings in the 2019 study showed 56% while 2014 reflected 63%.
Keep in mind that stress doesn’t have to be life-changing or highly emotional to affect your well-being. With that in mind, our experts have compiled a few of the top ways that acupuncture can relieve various types of stress.
1. Provides Relaxation
In many instances, an individual may not have a particular stressor, but rather just an overly full schedule. The pressure of finding time to get everything done can cause extensive stress. It’s often necessary to take a step out of your busy schedule to find a way to relax.
Not only will the needles offer you relaxation, but the session itself is an excellent way to find time to relax. While you’re getting your acupuncture done, you can relax for the time it takes for the treatment to work. Use this time to rest your eyes or listen to soft music. Try to clear your mind of the issues that may be stressing you, or all the things that need doing on your to-do list.
2. Reduces Tension
Another huge plus of acupuncture is that it uses your body’s own internal mechanisms to create relief. As thin acupuncture needles stimulate tense nerves beneath the skin, the nerve sends a message to the brain which in turn releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
As a natural hormone, endorphins can reduce stress and improve your mood. This means that a single acupuncture session can relieve the tension you’re feeling. When you’re not focusing on the stress itself, it may even allow you to focus on a solution to the issue that’s causing the stress in the first place.
3. Relief from Headaches
No matter what type of stress you’re experiencing, chances are that you’re also suffering from constant headaches. This usually happens because stress causes scalp and neck muscles to become tense and then contract. Stress-related headaches often cause the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Light sensitivity
Acupuncture will stimulate the circulatory system by releasing endorphins and other feel-good hormones which then release nerve tension. How effective the acupuncture is for your headaches will depend on the severity of your nerve tension. Experts recommend that you set up regular sessions to have an effective and lasting outcome.
4. Improves Mental Clarity and Boosts Energy
Stress in general can have a negative effect on your mental clarity and your energy levels. Whether you spend the bulk of your day running around chasing targets, or attending meetings, a busy schedule can leave you feeling run down.
A single session of acupuncture influences the parasympathetic nerves which promotes a feeling of calm. A feeling of calm combined with some relaxation time will help improve your mental clarity. Feeling relaxed and more alert will also help you feel more energised.
5. Promotes Sleeping Patterns
Irregular sleeping patterns are a common symptom of stress, and they often go hand in hand with those dreaded tension headaches. Acupuncture increases the release of natural melatonin, which will contribute to better sleeping patterns. Since acupuncture helps to improve relaxation and quiet the mind, it also promotes sleep.
Many people claim that it takes as little as three to four sessions to improve irregular sleeping patterns. If you’re currently taking sleeping aids that leave you feeling groggy in the morning, it may be a good idea to consult your healthcare professional about a few acupuncture sessions.
Final Thoughts
Acupuncture offers a wide range of benefits which includes improved sleep and headache relief. The most significant benefit comes from a huge reduction in your stress levels.
If you find yourself experiencing high levels of stress, it’s a good idea to incorporate acupuncture into your usual self-care routine. You’ll soon see the results and be grateful you made the change!
