Acupuncture for Stress and to relieve tension

What causes stress?
Stress may come from different causes and is not always negative. Getting married is stressful (Hello Bradzillas!) but it is a happy positive occasion. Any major event can cause stress but personality traits can also be the culprit. Some can be controlled: like when we feel overwhelmed because we take to much on, and cannot say "no"(You know who you are). and some cannot (like a death of a clue one). Here are the major causes of stress:

1. Major life change: moving, buying a house, getting married or divorced, new job, retirement, a major illness (such as Cancer), a death in the family.
2. Difficult relationship: with partner, family, co-workers or friends.
3. Financial issues: having a lot of debt, not making ends meet.
4. Work environment: demanding boss, running a business...( i don't think I need to expand too much on that one)
5. Being too busy: kids, job, taking care of parents, and no downtime.
6. Self imposed stress: perfectionism, busy-bee syndrome (Like to go, go,go), negative self talk, not being able to say "no", unrealistic expectation.

What symptoms does stress generates?
The body can't make the difference between physical and psychological threats. When you’re stressed over a busy schedule, an argument with a friend, a traffic jam, or a mountain of bills, your body reacts just as strongly as if you were facing a life-or-death situation. If you have a lot of responsibilities and worries, your emergency stress response may be “on” most of the time. No time to breath and chill out? Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems. Pay attention and listen to your body. If the following symptoms get worse with stress, then it's time to take action and find the time to relax and chill out!

1. Digestive issues: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, heart burn, acid reflux, constant hunger, emotional eating.
2. Sleep disorders: insomnia, wanting to nap all the time, fatigue, nightmares.
3. Immune system: catching cold and flus easily.
4. Skin issues: eczema, rashes.
5. Pain: headaches, migraines, shoulder & neck tension, low back ache, Jaw problems (TMJ, clenching).
6. Mental health: depression, irritability, short temper, crying a lot, feeling out of control, overwhelmed, not grounded, anxious, panic attacks.
7. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and speed up the aging process.

How to manage stress and cope with it's symptoms.
Some causes of stress cannot be avoided (like a death of a loved one, losing a job or being in car accident) and having coping mechanisms with help. Other stress when self imposed can actually be controlled and should be addressed (like learning to say "No" when you really don't want to add up another thing on your already busy plate).

1. Find ways to relax: it's different for everyone. Reading, listening to music, singing, walking your dog...
2. Exercise: not too much but enough to relieve the tension. 
3. Meditation: Yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi.
4. Cancel any negative self talk: would you tell someone that they're not good enough and stupid? I hope not! Then why would you say it to yourself?
5. Be good to yourself: take care of your body and mind, you ARE precious. Get a massage, a pedicure, go out with friends, play games, or take a mini vacation.
6. Herbal medicine or teas (but talk to a qualified professional first): to calm your nerves and help you sleep.
7. Get support: ask friends and family for help if you're overwhelmed, talk to a psychologist, join a support group.
8. Acupuncture: it is one of the best way to relax and address stress. Most of my patients fall asleep and feel very calm after a session.

And if you have questions, feel free to contact me, I'll be more than happy to get you in a relax state.
Clara Cohen
Port Moody & Coquitlam Acupuncturist