THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM, for the most part, responds UNCONSCIOUSLY to our internal and external environment. It REGULATES HEART AND REsPIRATION RATEs, DIGESTION, URINATION, AND SEXUAL AROUSAL. IT ALSO HAS AN SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON OUR IMMUNE AND HORMONE SYSTEMS, as well as our emotions.
HOW ACUPUNCTURE REDUCES STRESS
Among the many approaches to reducing stress, acupuncture is one of the most respected and effective. Acupuncture reduces stress overload by switching our body’s regulatory systems from the “fight and flight response” to a “rest and rebuild” mode. Its tranquilizing ability is key to balancing body chemistry, which in turn helps resolve pain, assist digestion, and increase blood flow to the vital organs. The more we experience this sense of calm, the more easily we can access it in our daily lives, especially when supported by lifestyle choices.
THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF STRESS
Stress is a part of life. Not all of it is bad. For example, a certain amount of stress can push us to excel, allow us to prepare for challenging experiences (like test taking or public speaking) and focus our minds and muscles in emergencies. However, much of the stress we experience - chronic stress - is inevitably detrimental to our physical, emotional and mental health.
External Stressors
The causes and symptoms of chronic stress are diverse and unique to each individual. Without our even realizing it, our regulatory systems are often over-stimulated with day-to-day activities and pressures. Identifying sources of stress is the first step in returning to health. The most common are:
Over-exercising
Relationship difficulties
Caregiving
Overuse of technology
Insufficient sleep
Financial pressures
Loss of home or career
Grief and uncertainty
Over-scheduling
Poor diet
INTERNAL STRESSORS
We are all familiar with the situational stressors mentioned above, but there are also hidden internal stressors that create a burden on our immune, hormonal and nervous systems. Most of these unfamiliar stressors can be identified with lab testing and addressed with acupuncture, herbs and supplements, as well as changes in diet and lifestyle.
Gut dysfunction
Food allergies
Chronic infections
Environmental toxins
Autoimmune problems
Chronic inflammation
Hormonal imbalances
Blood sugar instability
Ways to reduce unavoidable stress
Reframe the situation.
Let good enough be good enough.
Be grateful and practice acceptance.
Cultivate empathy.
Bring more pleasure and fun into your life.
Spend time with those you enjoy.
Practice mindfulness.
Listen to music that relaxes or revives you.
Talk to a therapist.
Eat healthfully and exercise regularly.
Take 5 to 10 minutes, for yourself daily.
Accept the things you cannot control.
For fast acting relief, try slowing down.– Lily Tomlin
Some Stress Management Strategies
Set realistic short-term goals you can reach.
Tackle important and difficult tasks first.
Divide large projects into smaller tasks.
Make a “To Do” list
Share or delegate tasks.
Don’t take on more obligations.
Establish boundries.
Avoid people who stress you out.
Limit your exposure to the news.
Take a short break and a few deep breaths.
Give up pointless arguments.
Get 7 plus hours of sleep.
Mindfulness
Mindfullness is learning to be fully present in the current moment and accepting thoughts and sensations as an ever-changing and a natural part of life. Practicing mindfulness cultivates more patience within ourselves and with others. Studies show that even 10 to 20 minutes of self-reflection a day can:
reduce stress levels and increase our tolerance to it
increase immune functioning,
improve ability to stay focused,
enhance academic performance.
Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest taken between two deep breaths. Etty Hillesum
No amount of anxiety can change the future - No amount of regret can change the past Karen Salmansohn