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The Use of Acupuncture
in Alleviating Symptoms of Stress
Jennifer A. Walz, L.Ac, RMT
We've all been there. Anticipation of an unpleasant or stressful
situation; upcoming exams, confrontations with family members or co-workers; can bring on the familiar symptoms
of anxiety: adrenalin is pumping through your body, your heart races, your mouth feels dry, you might feel a little
shaky or dizzy.
This is known as the "fight or flight syndrome" -
your nervous system is in overdrive.
As the name suggests, there might be times in your life when
this reaction is appropriate-times when there was REAL danger ahead, and you needed the burst of adrenalin and
your heart to pump faster so that you could quickly run away or defend yourself.
However, the problem is, our body doesn't know the difference
between a real and a perceived threat...it responds in the same way.
If a person is in a state of chronic stress and frequently experiences these symptoms, there is a depleting effect
on the body and a vicious cycle ensues. The person becomes likely to feel shaky and have palpitations more easily,
and is sometimes no longer consciously aware of what caused the reaction.
Acupuncture can be used as an intervention in this cycle. A
simple five-point protocol is used; all the points are on the outer surface of the ear and are done bilaterally.
The procedure is relatively painless, there might be a slight pinch upon insertion.
According to the Chinese and French acupuncture systems, there
are points in the ear that affect every organ and system in the body. The points that are used in the five-point
protocol have been proven to have a calming and restorative effect on the sympathetic nervous system, and to help
detoxify the kidney, liver and lungs.
A series of these simple auricular (ear) treatments can help
people to cope better with stress, reduce cravings for alcohol and other addictive substances and control impulsive
behavior. The treatments enhance any work the person might be doing in therapy or self-help groups by helping to
regain strength on a physical as well as an emotional level.
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