Chinese Medicine Eases Stress

Physical and emotional stress is a fact of modern life. Natural disasters, war, and general unrest are painting an uncertain picture of the future, which can leave many people with undue stress. Although the American Psychological Association reports that 63 percent of Americans say they are taking action to reduce their stress levels, 43 percent suffer adverse health effects due to stress. Studies show that Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture, massage, Tai Chi and Qigong, can significantly help reduce stress.

The body's reaction to stress is meant to protect us as it adjusts to its surroundings to maintain homeostasis. Our natural reactions to danger or challenge can be positive, but when we feel intense pressure or out of control these reactions become negative stress. The "fight or flight" response from the sympathetic nervous system occurs as we react to physical and mental changes in our equilibrium. In Chinese medical language, excessive emotional stimulation or suppression causes imbalance of qi, thereby injuring the body and producing disease.

Increased blood pressure and cortisol levels, as well as lowered immune system function, result when stress begins to affect the body. Symptoms can worsen to become depression, fatigue, tension headaches, stomachaches, hypertension, migraines, ulcers, heart attacks, or colitis. For those who harbor anxiety, the stress response does not turn off, and can lead to more serious health problems such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes or thyroid dysfunction. Following trauma, it can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder, which requires professional treatment.

Chinese acupuncture and massage, as well as Tai Chi and Qigong exercises, can alleviate stress symptoms by releasing endorphins, the body's own natural painkillers, and improving the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, which brings fresh oxygen to body tissues. This increased oxygen flow eliminates waste products from inside the body and enhances recovery from diseases. Chinese medicine also decreases the stress hormone cortisol, lowers blood pressure, reduces heart rate, and relaxes muscle tissue.

To learn more about how Chinese medicine can reduce stress, please contact Pacific College of Oriental Medicine at (800) 729-0941, or visit www.PacificCollege.edu.

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