Managing Stress with Acupuncture

April has been recognized as Stress Awareness Month since 1992, and the month-long campaign highlights the importance of mental health and stress relief. Stress is a normal part of everyday life; however, chronic stress can significantly impact our mental and physical well-being. 

What is Stress? 

The World Health Organization describes stress as “any change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Stress is your body’s response to anything that requires attention or action.” A moderate amount of stress is healthy for us, helping us feel motivated and energized to meet our goals. However, chronic stress can be harmful, straining our physical and mental health. Stress can be caused by a wide variety of issues, but the most common causes are work-related pressures, relationship issues, and health concerns. 

Chronic stress can interfere with mundane tasks, such as forgetting to feed the dog or staying awake until 2 a.m. It can also negatively impact physical health, leading to increased consumption of fast food or skipping daily workouts. Additionally, it can manifest itself in physical symptoms, like headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, stomach problems, and chest pains. 

Medications, including antidepressants and sleeping pills, can help relieve symptoms of stress  but often come with various side effects. Complementary and integrative therapies, such as Tai Chi, aromatherapy, exercise/yoga and acupuncture, are becoming increasingly popular holistic modalities to manage stress symptoms. 

How Does Acupuncture Treat Stress? 

The ancient practice of acupuncture is a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving one's mental and physical well-being. For centuries, it has been used to restore balance in the body and mind, effectively treating various physical and mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Acupuncture is effective in treating stress without the side effects associated with allopathic medicine.

In East Asian medicine, chronic stress can block the circulation of the vital life force known as Qi. Qi moves through a network of meridians throughout the entire body. Blockages in the meridians can initiate headaches, fatigue, or anxiety. The fine needles used in acupuncture help to alleviate stress on specific points along the meridians, unblocking the channels and restoring balance in the body. 

The overall experience of acupuncture can also promote stress reduction by providing a calming and relaxing atmosphere. During a session, you will typically lie on a comfortable table with dim lighting and soft music, promoting lower blood pressure, a reduced heart rate, and relaxed muscles.

The Benefits of Acupuncture for Stress 

Promoting Relaxation 

Recent studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can reduce cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone,” helps regulate blood pressure and the body’s response to stress. During the practice, fine needles are inserted into acupoints on the body to activate the body’s relaxation response, known as the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a calmer mental state. 

Endorphin Release 

Endorphins are our body’s natural painkillers, released in response to pain or stress. These hormones relieve pain and create a sense of well-being. Acupuncture is a highly effective method for releasing these feel-good chemicals, creating a positive and stress-free state of mind. During acupuncture, a practitioner precisely stimulates acupoints with thin needles, activating the nervous system via the fascial network to promote the release of endorphins.

Sleep Regulation

According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, adults who sleep fewer than eight hours a night have reported higher stress levels than those who sleep at least eight hours a night. Acupuncture has proven to be an effective treatment for poor sleep and insomnia. It enhances blood flow, which allows the body and mind to relax, thereby increasing the chances of a better-quality night's sleep. 

Scientific Research

Many studies have been completed to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving stress. Research published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture on the perception of stress in patients who study or work on a large, urban college campus. The study showed that acupuncture may have a lasting beneficial effect on the perception of stress, showcasing stress reduction in the patients. A pilot study revealed that acupuncture has a positive impact on stress reduction as well as other health outcomes when compared to no treatment in people with increased stress levels. 

Incorporating Acupuncture Into Your Routine 

Everyone has a unique, individual experience with acupuncture. However, regular treatments can help manage stress levels. Our expert practitioners at VUIM will carefully assess your needs and recommend the most suitable treatment plan, whether through weekly or biweekly sessions. 

Chat with our acupuncture experts today and explore how our clinic can support you in managing stress and boosting your overall well-being!

Sources:

1. American Psychological Association. (2013, January 1). Stress and sleep. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/sleep

2. Cao, H., Pan, X., Li, H., & Liu, J. (2009). Acupuncture for treatment of insomnia: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 15(11), 1171–1186. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2009.0041

3. Pirnia, B., Mohammadzadeh Bazargan, N., Hamdieh, M., Pirnia, K., Malekanmehr, P., Maleki, F., & Zahiroddin, A. (2019). The Effectiveness of Auricular Acupuncture on the Levels of Cortisol in a Depressed Patient. Iranian journal of public health, 48(9), 1748–1750. 

4. Pirnia B, Mohammadi AR, Zahiroddin A, et al. (2019). Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Auricular Acupuncture in Suicidal Ideation and Cortisol Level in Dysthymic Patients with Comorbid Opiate Use Disorders Enrolled in Methadone Maintenance Treatment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial. Iran J Psychiatry Behav Sci, 13(2):e12498.

5. Pirnia B, Pirnia K, Mohammadpour S, et al. (2018). The effectiveness of acupuncture on HPA functional in depressed patients under methadone maintenance treatment, a randomized double-blind sham-controlled trial. Asian J Psychiatr, 36:62–3.

6. Schroeder, S., Burnis, J., Denton, A., Krasnow, A., Raghu, T. S., & Mathis, K. (2017). Effectiveness of acupuncture therapy on stress in a large urban college population. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 10(3), 165-170. 

7. Wild, B., Brenner, J., Joos, S., Samstag, Y., Buckert, M., & Valentini, J. (2020). Acupuncture in persons with an increased stress level-Results from a randomized-controlled pilot trial. PloS one, 15(7), e0236004. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236004

8. World Health Organization (2023). Stress. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress.