Are you feeling a bit stressed or overwhelmed?
That’s not unusual in today’s fast-paced society. However, being constantly stressed can lead to a host of chronic health conditions. It is much better to head these off at the pass by getting some relaxation into your schedule that it is to treat these conditions later. Even then, many chronic health conditions can be effectively treated, or at least helped a great deal, simply by relaxing. As far as relaxation goes, there is no better way to accomplish it almost instantly than with acupuncture.
Many people who get acupuncture on a regular basis do it for its relaxing benefits. More than one person has described an acupuncture session as being more relaxing than a massage. This is because of the abundance of acupuncture points that induce a deep feeling of well-being and relaxation when stimulated with needles. There is often a tingly feeling all over the body when an acupuncture needle is inserted into a relaxation point. Sometimes, goosebumps are even raised. These are signs that the body’s Qi (energy) has been activated appropriately, and that the needle is doing what it is supposed to do.
Normally, the needle or needles are left in for around half an hour. While the needles do their work, everything in the body tends to slow down a bit, muscle tension evaporates, and feel-good neurotransmitters such as endorphins and serotonin are released. These things all combine to put the body into a sleep-like state. Some patients do fall asleep during treatment. Even if they stay awake, however, the effect of the treatment on their body is similar to getting in a good nap.
Another benefit of getting acupuncture for relaxation is that it helps the body produce more cortisol. Cortisol is a natural hormone produced by the body that fights stress, regulates the immune system, lowers blood pressure, improves glucose metabolism, and reduces or eliminates inflammation. By stimulating the release of cortisol over a regular course of treatments, the patient will begin to experience greatly improved physical and mental well-being. Emotions can also be stabilized, and a general feeling of happiness is induced.
People often come for acupuncture treatment with mental and emotional issues, such as anxiety and depression. Acupuncture is an excellent tool to heal these imbalances through the power of its ability to induce relaxation and the release of all the feel-good chemicals that come with it. Depending on the root cause of the mental or emotional issue, different acupuncture points may be used to address the condition. Points in the ear, the sternum, the hairline, and the top of the head are especially powerful at releasing mental and emotional tension and inducing relaxation. Some patients even cry with relief when the correct point is activated. This is a positive sign that the treatment is working, and is a good thing.
Even if a patient is coming in with a physical complaint, inducing a deep state of relaxation is often helpful in the healing process. The body needs sleep to heal. If it isn’t getting enough of it naturally, inducing a sleep-like state through acupuncture can be very beneficial in helping heal ailments of even long-standing natures. It is a perfect adjunct to any other treatment you may be receiving. If you need a deep state of relaxation unlike any you’ve ever experienced, whether for physical, emotional, or mental issues, come see us today. We can help you heal.