Emotional Health

The body responds to stress by release chemicals into the blood which increase your heart rate, increase your blood pressure, and increase muscle tension. These changes can be beneficial if aiding an accident victim, preparing to speak in public, or fleeing from an attacker. However, if high stress levels remain high they can become pathological, leading to headaches, high blood pressure, digestive disorders and sleeping problems.

Most of us live under some form of constant stress, leaving us susceptible to not only the physical ailments mentioned above, but also to psychological problems. These include, but are not limited to0, depression, anxiety, poor concentration, poor memory and low self esteem. In fact, this is become such an epidemic, that some studies indicate 4 out of every 5 visits to the doctor are for stress-related conditions.

There is no easy fix to dealing with stress and we all cope in different ways-alcohol, cigarettes, sugar, precriptive drugs and food. There is no magic "stress-reducing pill", though anti-depressants are often referred to in just that way. At best they can offer short term relief, while at worst they can lead to habituation and dependence.

Acupuncture works to regulate and balance a persons Qi (pronounce "Chee"), their life force. It has numerous physiological benefits such as decreasing the heart rate, lowing blood pressure, reducing stress and increasing energy. All of these help to off set the effects of stress. Furthermore, it can relieve feelings of anxiety and depression, which make it that much easier to deal with a stressful situation. It is an effective substitute for anti-depressants and often times is used to assist people wanting to end their reliance on such drugs.

When you are feeling balanced, relaxed and centered, you are more prepared to look at the world around you, even in the midst of the most stressful situation, and make clear and healthy choices that will enable you to deal with the unpleasent moments in life.

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