Stress Reduction

Through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine, stress is the response to any change in demand on the mind or body. The situation could be positive (the birth of a child) or negative (the loss of a loved one), but the impact of this circumstance causes the body to shift out of its normal, balanced state (AKA homeostasis). Our stress response is automatic and it cannot be prevented or controlled. Everyone experiences some type of stress, and everyone processes it differently based on their biology and lived experiences. Modern life, especially life in a crowded, fast-paced city such as New York City will chronically and continuously activate our stress response. Lack of sleep, a poor diet, and a crowded subway can all cause stress, which presents itself in many different ways.

Stress can impact:

• Fertility

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Sleep

• Weight Loss

• Immune System Health

• General Wellness

as well as mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. WS-TCM can help recalibrate stress hormones in the body by acting on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis connects our central nervous system and endocrine system, which releases stress hormones into the body. Studies have shown that acupuncture influences patients’ neurobiological response and helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, making it an effective treatment for nerve-related disorders (such as anxiety) and circadian rhythm disorders.

In traditional Chinese medicine, emotions are integral to well-being. They are so important that they even have a relationship with specific organs and body systems. At Garden Acupuncture we use techniques such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas, lifestyle recommendations, and stress reduction techniques to restore homeostasis—or balance—to the HPA axis. We learn everything we can about you - health history, lifestyle/dietary habits, environment, etc. - to create a personalized plan for you. We prefer to treat every person differently (as no two people are the same!) instead of applying a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all treatment. Your plan may include techniques such as breathing practices, acupuncture, hydration, nutrition counseling, Chinese herbal formulas, exercise, tools for processing emotions, and methods—such as ozone therapy—for ridding your body of the negative effects of stress.

Lifestyle modifications play a big role in helping to reduce stress. We highly recommend mind-body practices and stress-reduction techniques to build inner peace, balance, and mindfulness. These techniques include meditation, qigong, and tai chi. These practices also can help you to develop greater awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations - allowing you to better respond to stress and more effectively build an overall sense of calm and resilience in life.

The Importance of Reducing Stress

Reducing stress (whether it is everyday stress or specifically triggered stress) is extremely important to our health. Chronic stress is linked to a wide range of physical and mental health issues such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and more. Prolonged stress can also disrupt the balance of our hormones, increase inflammation, and weaken our immune system - leaving us more susceptible to contracting infectious diseases. Chronic stress and the overproduction and release of stress response hormones can drain our adrenal glands, leading to a condition known as adrenal fatigue (AKA burnout). Stress can also affect implantation and fertility for both men and women. Using the natural and holistic approach of traditional Chinese medicine can reduce the harmful effects of stress and improve your overall quality of life.