The year is often punctuated by periodic events that put us in a particular state. It can be the end of the fiscal year, important exams, big projects, surgery or… the start of the school year. This is a slightly more demanding and stressful period when the load increases. Stress, this healthy and normal reaction that can put us in all our states. Understanding how stress affects the body is not only fascinating but helpful.

 

First, there must be a situation that is perceived as threatening. In modern times, this threat often comes from the interpretation that one makes of the situation. Is it interpreted in a positive or negative way. A negative interpretation will lead to a distress reaction. A chain reaction follows which will involve several glands such as the hypothalamus, the pituitary and the adrenal glands which will secrete the main stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones will generate a whole host of physiological and bodily reactions to enable us to face adversity. Reactions that will affect our senses, our cardiovascular and digestive systems, as well as our metabolism of sugar and fat to give us the energy and concentration necessary to get through this demanding period. In principle, stress is a reaction which should be of short duration since a period of rest and regeneration is necessary to make up for the energy deficit caused by stress. Unfortunately, if the stress is chronic, the same physiological and bodily reactions listed above are generated but in a chronic way, which exhausts the body and its functions.   If there is a condition where acupuncture is known to be effective, it is stress. It is a tool that can be used to measure, for each, according to the needs. Whether it is short-term, acute, periodic or chronic stress, acupuncture can modulate, calm or even prevent the harmful effects of stress. These can range from insomnia to mood issues, digestive issues, musculoskeletal pain, headaches and so on. In fact, acupuncture would act on the levels of cortisol and adrenaline, the two hormones responsible for stress reactions, in addition to treating the symptoms experienced by each individual. Let's take a simplified example.

 

Mr. X has been suffering from persistent gastric reflux for a few weeks, which has never happened to him before. In the case of Mr. X, no food allergy or intolerance is known. On the other hand, a restructuring at the office caused him a lot of stress and additional work. In this case, we could treat the symptoms felt by Mr. X (reflux) as well as the state of stress in which he finds himself, by rebalancing cortisol levels.

 

It is also possible to use acupuncture to prevent a known stressful period or event, for example, surgery. It is enough at this time to come for three or four treatments before the start of the period.

 

The effects of stress on our health should never be underestimated, nor the beneficial effects of acupuncture on it for that matter.

 

Reference: Sonia Lupien: For the love of stress.

Editions au Carré  

Have a good comeback!