How Does Acupuncture Treat Stress?

Here at Princeton Monroe acupuncture I treat many patients suffering from stress , anxiety and depression.  We all have stress in our lives, but acupuncture can help to increase our threshold for dealing with whatever life throws at us.  Anxiety and depression are often by-products of stress , and acupuncture treatments can help to re balance our brain chemistry to allow us to feel calmer and happier in our lives.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), strong emotions impede the movement of energy (Qi) through our bodies.  Acupuncture facilitates the flow of Qi, freeing these blockages.  Treatment alleviates not only the stress but also its resulting symptoms, such as: body pain, headaches, digestion issues and high blood pressure.

From a Western, clinical perspective, acupuncture decreases stress by releasing pain killing chemicals and increasing circulation.  Acupuncture calms the body, lowers blood pressure and decreases heart rate thereby decreasing stress.  A recent study also shows that acupuncture also reduces influxes of stress creating hormones.