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Disease and Stress

by Dan Schalm R.Ac, R.TCMP

Doctors and health scientists are recently learning the mechanisms that prove emotional stress has a profound influence on the prognosis and causes of disease. Emotional well being, it turns out, is closely connected to human physiology, and when our thoughts and emotions become uncomfortable the body responds by releasing stress hormones, such as cortisol, that negatively effect our complicated homeostatic balance. In this way it weakens our immune system, changes our sleep patterns, leads to heart disease, damages endocrine health and chemically changes the wiring of the brain reducing our ability to think clearly and problem-solve. Hypertension, cardio-pulmonary disease, gastrointestinal disorders, immune system problems, even cancer has been linked to this pathological process. All because of stressful emotions.

Can  acupuncture help?

Yes, most people will say that they feel very calm and relaxed after an acupuncture treatment. During a treatment, it is not uncommon for a patient to feel as if they are releasing negative energy from their body. Interestingly, this release is often coupled with increased stamina and feelings of creativity.

Does herbal medicine help?

Chinese herbs have long been known to help with anxiety and depression. Because they are natural, they are much safer than Western pharmaceuticals.

How does acupuncture relieve stress?

Acupuncture is primarily concerned with regulating the vital force, the body energy or ‘Qi’. It has a number of beneficial physiological effects -- Acupuncture creates a relaxation response in the body with decreased heart rate, lowered BP, immune system modulation, increased energy and wound tissue regeneration. It has been shown to produce a calming or tranquilizing action that is of particular interest to people in states of stress.

Modern research has shown that needling certain points can activate complex chemical responses within the body. These include increased white blood cell production and the release of neurotransmitters such as beta-endorphin, met-enkephalin, serotonin, adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) hormone and Substance P. These chemicals are vital in reducing and offsetting the buildup of cortisol, as well as resetting the neuro-chemical balance in the brain.

What does this mean for me?

Acupuncture can relieve feelings of anxiety and depression, which may be serious handicaps for people trying to cope with difficult domestic, social and work related problems. It can give a person a feeling of well-being and self-confidence. It can be an effective substitute for sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and antidepressant drugs. Acupuncture is used in many cases not only as an alternative to these drugs but also to treat side effects and dependence. Some patients come for acupuncture treatment specifically to come off their antidepressants, though it’s advised that this is done with the involvement of their physician. There is considerable evidence that acupuncture could substantially reduce the consumption of drugs such as Prozac.

Acupuncture can provide a safe and effective tool for stress. Of course, life situations leading up to stress can only be changed by the individual seeking treatment. Furthermore, the most important factor in decreasing the damage caused by stress seems to be how we interpret life situations. Do we see life in general as a stressful place, or treat the bustle of life as an adventure? Our body will react according to our belief about the environment surrounding it. Acupuncture can, however, open a refreshing window of opportunity. As the heavy feelings of stress are relieved, a person feels more confidence in their ability to cope with unpleasant aspects of their life situation and make necessary changes … either to the situation or their perceptions of it. Meditation, Qi Gong, counselling and spiritual practice can be very beneficial to enhance this process.

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