There are many reasons people pursue acupuncture and acupressure, but alleviating the symptoms of stress and anxiety remains one of the most popular. Anxiety acupuncture and acupressure cause physiological changes in the body, from your blood pressure to your hormones, so its impact is physical as well as mental and emotional.

The impact of anxiety

  • In day-to-day life

Some anxiety is normal in everyday life, but that does not make it a comfortable experience. It makes it hard to think clearly, plan, and make decisions. At its worst, anxiety causes physical symptoms ranging from an elevated heart rate to shaky hands and digestive issues. If the anxiety becomes chronic or it is disproportionate to the size of the stressor, it could meet the official definition of an anxiety disorder.

  • Anxiety: Classified

Anxiety disorders come in many forms. In addition to generalized anxiety disorders, there are phobias, or irrational fears, along with panic and social anxiety disorders. Anxiety can be a major feature of PTSD, the causes and triggers may be different, but the symptoms are similar, and so is its impact on your life. Anxiety can interfere with your ability to work or study, maintain relationships, and carry out everyday activities, in addition to preventing you from being able to relax.

  • The way out

Treatments for anxiety disorders can also vary and may include a combination of medication and therapy. For anxiety that is caused by stress, the most effective solution is to remove the stressor, of course, this is not always possible. Stress acupuncture and acupressure may be able to relieve your symptoms even if you cannot remove the stressful situation.

How can acupuncture help?

Part of the problem with chronic stress is that it pushes your body into constant “fight or flight” mode. This is meant to be a temporary state to allow you to escape an immediate threat. It is not meant to be sustained over an extended period of time, and it puts you under intense and enduring strain, both physically and mentally.

Acupuncture for anxiety and stress can help by encouraging your body to leave fight or flight mode which is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, and switch to the “rest and digest” of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Physiologically, this means your blood pressure drops and blood can flow more freely to the brain. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are reduced, while endorphins, which can boost your mood while acting as painkillers, rise. As your systems and chemicals rebalance, you can think clearly and relax again.

You should feel more in control of your life without having to deal with all those unwanted side effects of stress taking over your body. A sense of calm will make everything else feel more manageable. Stress acupuncture may help you take other positive steps, such as eating and sleeping better.

In summary

You may not be able to remove stressors from your life, but acupressure and acupuncture for anxiety and stress may help you better manage the physical and mental impact. By rebalancing both your body and mind, you can relax, let go of those worrying thoughts, sleep a little easier, and feel better prepared to deal with life.