Stress, a natural response to perceived threats to our physical and mental balance, can manifest as psychological and physical strain.
Stress in TCM
For over 5,000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, has recognized stress as a significant disruptor of the body's energy flow, or Qi. According to TCM, intense emotions like stress can create energetic blockages, leading to symptoms such as chest tightness, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. To restore balance, TCM practitioners focus on addressing the root causes of these imbalances, often targeting the liver, blood, and heart.
Treatments like acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and exercise are employed to regulate energy flow, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being. While acknowledging the natural occurrence of emotions, TCM emphasizes the importance of preventing any single emotion from becoming excessive, as this can contribute to long-term health problems.
Stress in Modern Science
The term "stress" originated from the Latin word "stringere," meaning "to tighten." Initially used in 19th-century physics, stress described the internal tension within a material subjected to external force. This referred to the strain or deformation caused by forces, such as a bridge bearing weight or a compressed spring.
In the mid-20th century, the concept was extended to biology and medicine by Hans Selye. He applied it to the body's response to external pressures or "stressors," highlighting the physiological and hormonal changes, like cortisol release, that occur as organisms strive for homeostasis when faced with challenges. This work laid the foundation for our current understanding of stress as a multifaceted psychological and physical phenomenon.
Stress Hormone
Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone, plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including inflammation, metabolism, and sleep-wake cycles.
When the adrenal glands are compromised, individuals may experience a range of symptoms such as difficulty waking up, emotional instability, cravings for caffeine or spicy foods, weakened immune function, and reduced overall bodily function.
Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome
According to Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome, stress progresses through three stages.
1) Alarm/response—similar with the fight-or-flight response This stage triggers physiological changes such as increased heart rates, heightened sensitivity, and irritability. This stage parallels the TCM concept of Qi rising, manifesting as symptoms like headaches, dry eyes, and fatigue.
2) Response/resistance This stage is characterized by continued stress hormone production and the emergence of symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, excessive sweating, dry mouth, indigestion, and menstrual irregularities. This stage parallels the TCM concept of heat rising and cold sinking, indicating imbalances in blood flow.
3) Exhaustion/burnout This stage is characterized by depleted hormones, low energy levels, mental lethargy, and a loss of will. This stage parallels the TCM concept of holistic QI, blood, and essence deficiency.
Brain as the HQ of Stress
Biologically, our brain plays a crucial role in processing stress and anxiety. When faced with a stressful situation, the amygdala processes emotional reactions and sends signals to the hypothalamus, which activates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. As the brain functions as the central stress processing center, headaches are a common symptom associated with stress. In TCM, the brain is referred to as the "Sea of Marrow."
Therapeutic Tools to treat Stress in TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a variety of therapeutic modalities to address stress and anxiety, each designed to restore the body's energy flow and promote emotional balance.
- Acupuncture, a cornerstone treatment, uses fine needles to stimulate specific points, improve Qi circulation, and release endorphins for a calming effect.
- Electro-acupuncture enhances this with gentle electrical stimulation to the needles, further amplifying its relaxing benefits.
- Herbal medicine is another key approach, with formulas nourishing the liver, calming the mind, and regulating emotions.
- Cupping therapy, through suction, improves blood flow and alleviates physical tension associated with stress.
- Gua sha, a scraping technique, releases stagnation and promotes relaxation by enhancing circulation.
- Moxibustion, which involves burning dried mugwort near specific points, warms the body and reduces stress-induced energetic imbalances.
- Together, these therapies, including much more tools, work holistically to alleviate stress, ease anxiety, and support long-term emotional and physical harmony.
Book now at NAUM Acupuncture, Paramus, NJ: 646-926-0410 or info@naumaculover.com
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