Stress

Acupuncture works by retraining our brains to heal and rewire in a desirable way. Acupuncture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of our central nervous system that can counteract the fight or flight response. Stimulating this system produces a feeling of relaxation and calm. With acupuncture your brain will counter the effects of stress by learning to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system. When the acupuncture needles stimulate nerves under the skin, the nerve sends a message to the brain, telling it to release natural pain killers, called endorphins. These natural brain chemicals cause us to relax and feel euphoric or happy. Acupuncture also helps our bodies naturally reduce inflammation and pain as well, which can both increase with chronic stress.

The composition of Chinese herbal formulas are based on the individual and their needs. Chinese herbs have are extremely good at counteracting the effects of stress on the body. Many Chinese herbal formulas contain molecules that act on the pathological systems of the brain, such as monoamine neurotransmissions, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, neurotrophic factor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) cascade, and glutamate transmission. These molecules build up in the body slowly in order to leave you feeling relaxed and more equipt to deal with stressors.