Acupuncture for Covid Stress Relief

Chinese Medicine has been preparing for and treating viruses for thousands of years. And as a holistic medicine, it has also been used for mind-body healing for just as long. We have an incredible toolbox and it has been eye opening to have the honor of using it since the beginning of this pandemic. 

Here, we are sharing with you a wonderful article from WebMd, “Acupuncture On Point for COVID Stress Relief” by Margaret Etudo (June 29, 2021).

Find an acupuncturist in your area and get some much needed stress relief, today! When stress is managed in the body our immune system can also function more optimally. To find a licensed practitioner in your area, you can use registry provided on the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) website.

Acupuncture On Point for COVID Stress Relief

June 29, 2021 -- The past 18 months of the coronavirus pandemic have brought pain and heartbreak to millions of Americans. Now, many are turning to a practice that has been around for thousands of years to find peace and pain relief.

For many, acupuncture -- an ancient way of using needles to treat pain -- is the last post-COVID-19 relief method they haven’t already tried.

“We are desperate for ways to feel better. No one got out of the pandemic unaffected -- everyone is suffering,” says Caren Campbell, MD, a dermatologist in San Francisco.

“The pandemic has worsened a pre-existing mental health care crisis in the U.S. Any stress-reducing tool is much needed,” Campbell says.

Campbell is an enthusiast of the Chinese practice that records show has been around for more than 2,000 years.

“Acupuncture is a huge stress and pain-relieving visit for me,” she says.

Gudrun Snyder, DAc, founder of Moon Rabbit Acupuncture in Chicago, says studies have shown that COVID-19 causes what’s known as a “cytokine storm” that causes inflammation that could kill tissue and damage organs.

A study from Harvard University in 2020 found acupuncture reduced the impact of cytokine storms in mice. Another study from Oxford University found acupuncture treatment for COVID-19 suppressed the inflammation caused by stress, improved immunity, regulated nervous system functions, and helped cancer patients with COVID-19.

“With acupuncture, your body goes into a state of relaxation,” says Tsao-Lin Moy, a certified acupuncture therapist and licensed Chinese herbal medicine practitioner in New York City. “And once the body is able to have that experience, it can remember to always go there.”

Your body is able to switch to the resting mode because certain neuropeptides, small proteins in the body, are released in the brain to signal it to go into that state of rest, say authors of a 2013 study on acupuncture’s effects.

Moy also points out that medications don’t always help. Instead, she says, our body’s nervous system needs to go into a place of rest for natural healing to take place.

Jenna Gill, a licensed acupuncture therapist in New York City, says, “Acupuncture is helping your body get into the parasympathetic nervous system mode,” where the heart and breathing rates slow, blood pressure lowers, and digestion is improved.

She compared this to the state our bodies have been in throughout the pandemic -- fight and flight mode -- that caused stress and enhanced symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Acupuncture, meanwhile, releases endorphins that maintain balance in your mind and body.

Gill says she’s seen a huge increase in people visiting acupuncture clinics to treat insomnia, anxiety, or stress. Snyder, from Moon Rabbit Acupuncture, says that makes sense as acupuncture is safer and easier than traditional medicine, and is often cheaper thanks to health insurance.

One reason acupuncture may be an easier way of dealing with pain, Gill says, is not all patients like swallowing pills. She says medications, which are the main pain treatment method in Western medicine, is “literally just putting a masking on your symptoms.” In other words, symptoms are your body’s way of communicating with you.

Through the aches and pains you feel, you can find out the root causes of what is wrong with you.

Still, Gill doesn’t criticize Western medicine and it’s way of healing people, but offers what she thinks is a better solution. Through acupuncture, she says, you can discover the root causes of a particular symptom.

I suffered from dysosmia from Covid for a year. I tried every solution I could find. Jan ‘21 I went to get acupuncture and the past 6 months have been life-changing. I’m almost back to my regular self. #longcovid #COVID #dysosmia #anosmia #lossofsmelltaste#acupuncture #COVID19

— naoko (@bayneseyusa)June 23, 2021

“Our body was designed to heal itself. Stress and other factors come in the way and obstruct an efficient flow of good energy and blood through blood vessels. Acupuncture helps to restore your body’s healing power,” Gill says.

But there are other ways to manage pain, anxiety, depression, or stress. Campbell, the San Francisco dermatologist, says, “Therapy with a trained mental health professional, exercise, journaling, meditation, nature, and reconnecting with our support systems -- friends, family, and hobbies” are also useful.

“The food you eat, your environment, your relationships, and the thoughts that you have matter as well,” Moy says.

She also says people who are very negative or pessimistic are not as healthy as optimistic people.

Positive people secrete more endorphins, dopamines, and serotonin, which can lead to better health, Moy says. If you connect the dots, you’ll find out that being happy is a way of reducing the “free radicals that stress releases which damages your body,” Campbell says.

Snyder says acupuncture increases your cortisol levels, which automatically kick starts your “happy hormones.”

In short, Snyder suggests we “marry Eastern and Western medicine together.”

We can do this by using our pharmaceuticals and Western doctors, she says, but also Eastern medicine to let our mind and body heal as health is related to a sound mind-body connection.

Also, don’t underestimate the whole power of touch, Snyder says. She noticed that many people try acupuncture just because they want someone to pay attention to them, take care of them, all of which makes them feel much better.

SOURCES

Caren Campbell, MD, board-certified dermatologist, San Francisco.

Gudrun Snyder, DAc, founder, Moon Rabbit Acupuncture, Chicago.

Tsao-Lin Moy, certified acupuncture therapist and licensed Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, New York City.

Jenna Gill, licensed acupuncture therapist, New York City.

Harvard Medical School: “Quieting the Storm.”

East Sussex Osteopaths: “Activate your parasympathetic nervous system with these simple techniques.”

Briefings in Bioinformatics: “Is acupuncture effective in the treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms? Based on bioinformatics/network topology strategy.”

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: “Neurobiological Foundations of Acupuncture: The Relevance and Future Prospect Based on Neuroimaging Evidence.”

StatPearls: “Acupuncture.”

News Medical: “Acupuncture History.”

Tips for Spring Wellness According to TCM

We are SO ready for spring! Enjoy this bit about the wood element and seasonal wellness according to TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine).

In Chinese Medicine theory, the Wood element aligns with springtime and corresponds to the Liver organ, which is responsible for the free flow of qi in the body. Themes of the season are growth, strength, courage, vision, and renewal.

As we transition into this new season, all of the same wood element energy that readies the plants to begin their transition is happening inside of you, too! The energy of wood wants to move outward and get things done.

Often times this transition comes with symptoms of allergies, headaches, and tight muscles. Additionally, if that wood energy cant express itself, the result can be “qi stagnation” and it feels like anger, irritability, depression, mood swings, poor sleep, migraines, pain, tension, worsening PMS, excessive sighing, indigestion, and skin flare ups.

Thankfully, the teachings and practices of Chinese Medicine can help ease the transition into Spring and keep that qi flowing!

Moving stuck energy can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, using aromatherapy, going for a walk (soak in that vitamin D for an extra immune and mood boost!), or stretching (especially rib openers, hip stretches, and side twists). Or, clean out a closet! This is a really great time of the year to move your body, which helps move your qi!

Lavender, sandalwood, vetiver, rose, peppermint, chamomile, and all citrus essential oils move Qi and support the wood element. Similarly, lemon water and peppermint, matcha, or chamomile tea will help move stagnation in the liver meridian.

Eat more greens. Green is the color associated with the liver and springtime. Eat more young tender plants, including: fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses. Leafy greens like kale, dandelion, collards, and mint are also great choices. This can improve the liver's overall function and aid in the movement of qi. Try to eat locally grown and in season as much as possible. Opt for some sour foods like pickled veggies- sour is the taste associated with unblocking the Liver.

The Liver loves movement, but this movement won’t feel great if we’re not getting enough sleep- an essential time for replenishment and for the liver to recover from the stresses of the day. The most important time of the night for the Liver to restore (when you should be in a deep sleep!) is 1am-3am.

Get acupuncture! Acupuncture helps improve the overall health of your liver as well as treating stress, allergies, immunity, pain, and more! We highly recommend seasonal tune-ups to help the body adapt to changes in the environment. Your acupuncturist may also be able to prescribe supportive herbal formulas for stress, allergies, skin issues, and other issues that arise this time of year!

Contact us to learn more or to book your seasonal wellness tune up! (843) 790-4295 or info@balancecharleston.com

A Natural, Herbal Approach to Stress Relief

We love integrating Western herbs into our practice. They’re easy to use, fun to learn about, widely accessible, and can be sourced locally and organically. And, there are so many herbs that can help us keep calm and relaxed. The following information is from National Geographic’s special March 2020 edition, Healing Remedies: A Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness, and focuses on herbal stress relief.

(As always, the information provided is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.)

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Caring for the Nervous System

In Western herbalism, caring for the nervous system relies on NERVINE and ADAPTOGEN herbs to help us better cope with stress, relieve anxiety, lift our mood, improve our sleep, and ease our pain. 

Nervines are simply herbs that have some effect upon the nervous system. There are three categories of nervines:

• nervine stimulants enliven and awaken the nervous system. Peppermint, rosemary, and ginger achieve this action without overstimulating the nervous system.

• nervine relaxants have a calming effect upon the nerves, with their effect ranging from mild (chamomile, lemon balm) to powerfully sedative (California poppy, hops). Valerian offers a nice middle ground.

  • german chamomile: one of the best herbs for those who hold stress in their digestive tracts and skin. Anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic.

  • lemon balm: for those who become irritable and cranky if they don’t have enough downtime. For overstimulated extroverts with difficulty focusing.

  • valerian: found in many sleep formulas because it promotes restful sleep. Best for those who are tense and tired. Relaxes tension in the muscles.

  • California poppy: helpful for those whoa re stressed-out, depressed, and cannot sleep due to pain. Mild pain-relieving properties and eases anxiety

  • hops: for those who really need to sleep but lay awake at night worried about all kinds of things.

• nervine tonics nourish and support the nervous system, and are a good choice for those feeling emotionally exhausted or overwhelmed. Tonic herbs include milky oats, skullcap, and St. Johns Wort.

  • milky oats: a classic nervine tonic, helpful for those who are mentally and spiritually tired.

  • skullcap: best for those who are easily upset and overwhelmed. Supports those who do not handle stress well.

  • St. Johns Wort: strengthens and nourishes those who are mildly depressed. Its best for those not taking prescription drugs as it can interact with many.

Adaptogens are helpful for those under a great deal of stress, and include ginseng, ashwagandha, and rhodiola. Adaptogen herbs can be taken for at least 2-3 months, and should be part of a holistic approach to managing stress.

• Ginseng is considered the classic adaptogen, and often used in Chinese Medicine as a qi tonic to improve energy and vitality.

• Ashwaghanda is a rejuvenating tonic, used in Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India. This herb is recommended for the “wired and tired”.

• Rhodiola has been used in traditional medicine systems for over 3,000 years. This herb can help those with fatigue, mental fog, and difficulty concentrating.

You can make teas or tinctures from these herbs based on which one resonates with you. For young children, stick with chamomile, lemon balm, milky oats, and skullcap. 

HERBAL STRESS RELIEF

This basic herbal formula is great for taking the edge off. And it's simple to make at home- give it a try!

• 10 grams lemon balm herb

• 10 grams chamomile flowers

• 10 grams skullcap herb

• 150 milliliters brandy or vodka OR 170 milliliters vegetable glycerine and 70 milliliters water (use glycerine option for kids)

Grind herbs into a coarse powder and put in a glass jar. Add vodka OR vegetable glycerine and water. Stir well. If you need to add more liquid, put in an additional 15 milliliters glycerine and 5 milliliters water. Cover and let sit for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and pour liquid into a dark bottle, label, and store in a cabinet. Compost herbs. 

how to use

Herbal Stres Relief Tincture (made with brandy or vodka):
Adults: take 1 teaspoon of the tincture 2 to 3 times a day, as needed to ease tension or anxiety. 

Herbal Stress Relief Glycerite (made with vegetable glycerine):

• 40 to 60 pounds: 1/2 teaspoon 2 to 3 times a day, as needed

• 60 to 90 pounds: 1 teaspoon 2 to 3 times a day, as needed

• 90 to 120 pounds: 1 1/2 teaspoons 2-3 times a day, as needed

• Over 120 pounds: 2 teaspoons 2 to 3 times a day, as needed

TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND ENJOY!

Resources:

“Healing Remedies” by Tieraona Low Dog M.D. National Geographic, March 2020.

DIY Chinese Medicine for Stress Reduction

During these challenging times, some days are better than others. Emotionally, they can be all over the place. Grateful and optimistic, to angry, sad, and negative.

The other day was not so great. I could feel stress manifesting itself throughout the day, but with a toddler in tow, there is little time for stress management. Deep breaths is about the most I can fit in.

By the evening time, I felt short tempered, my eye was twitching, my breath was stuck in my chest, my shoulders were tight and I had ringing in my ear. In Chinese Medicine, these are all signs of Liver qi stagnation and yang rising, or, imbalance of the wood element. Picture a cartoon teapot with steam jetting out of its lid. Typical presentation of symptoms if you’re under stress.

Not my favorite way to feel, especially knowing how stress can interfere with our immune system.

After my little one went down for the night, I finally had time for a some self-care and I took advantage of it! This at-home treatment took a total of 15 minutes and I felt the stress melt away using these Chinese Medicine practices:

Ear seeds. I love Swarovski ear crystals! They’re sparkly and pretty and a completely non-invasive technique for auriculotherapy (acupressure or acupuncture applied to the ear).

Ear seeds simply stick on to acupuncture points in the ear to activate the points. You can safely apply a few ear seeds to some of the many therapeutic ear points and use this self-healing modality at home! The ear points Heart, Shen Men, and Point Zero are a powerful 3 point combination for promoting overall relaxation and general wellbeing.

Essential oil on acu-points. I massaged Snow Lotus’s Sedate Wood blend (roman chamomile and blue tansy) onto acupuncture points along the Gall Bladder and Liver meridians, the organ system pair associated with the Wood element.

I chose Gall Bladder 21 (GB-21) located at the top of the shoulders and Liver 3 (Lr-3) located on top of the foot between the first and second toe (very sensitive) to release tension, move qi stagnation, and descend that rising yang energy. I also applied the oil to the center of my chest to calm my breathing.

Chinese herbal tea. I brewed my go-to formula for stress and anxiety relief, Xiao Yao Wan (“Free and Easy Wanderer”). I prefer to use granule teas because they are easy to prepare (readily dissolve in hot water) and I enjoy the earthy/bitter flavor.

Xiao yao wan is a gentle formula that keeps the liver qi/energy flowing to ease tension and boost your mood. With this formula, our stress response is better regulated and we can feel more at ease as we move through difficult situations.

As a practitioner of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, it’s easy for me to diagnose my symptoms and know exactly which TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) tools to use. And, of course, I have everything on hand.

HOW IT WORKS

In a virtual visit, you meet with one of our licensed acupuncturists and herbalists. We listen to your health concerns and guide you to at-home treatments specific to your needs. And, we can show you how to do certain techniques like gua sha, point location, or ear seeds on our video chat!

After establishing your Chinese Medicine diagnosis, we will explore appropriate herbal recommendations, acupressure points, essential oils, lifestyle advice, and self-care practices to use at home. We will also arrange a pick-up with the right TCM tools for you (ie., herbs, oils, home cupping set, moxa, gua sha tool, or ear seeds).

Let us help you establish your own, unique self-care routine rooted in this thousand year old medicine by scheduling a virtual wellness visit with us today!

Essential Oils for Stress + Anxiety Relief

Essential oils are famously used for their scents, but extracting the essence of a plant makes a potent medicine. Used correctly, they can be very beneficial for many health issues. Essential oils are accessible and easy to use, and can help you feel calmer when they’re incorporated into your self-care routine. Chances are, you might already own one of these helpful antidotes for stress at home!

In our practice, we use essential oils according to the principles of Chinese Medicine. When used from this perspective, essential oils are so powerful and effective for treating emotional issues. Many of the oils positively impact the emotions by moving qi to release stagnation, nourishing the body to support emotional wellbeing, and clearing heat to take the edge off.

Essential oils can be inhaled via plastic essential oil inhalers, dropped into hot water and inhaled via the steam or diffused into a room with an essential oil diffuser. They can be applied to acupuncture points or diluted and applied to whole areas of the body. They can be added to salt and dissolved into bath water or a foot soak. No matter how you use your oils, remember that a couple drops goes a long way!

Aromatherapy and essential oils are best and most effectively used under the care of a licensed practitioner. And, they are just one tool in the toolbox to assist with emotional concerns like stress and anxiety. If you’re looking for additional support, consider scheduling a virtual wellness visit with us where you can learn more.

Essential oils for stress and anxiety relief

Bergamot: an uplifting and refreshing oil that brightens the mood and spirits. Regulates qi to relieve stagnation and “stuck'“ emotions. Combine with floral oils like neroli for moments of feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Best used in a diffuser to promote calm and relaxation.

Chamomile (roman): a calming and relaxing oil with a light, fresh scent. Chamomile strengthens the Spleen, regulates qi, and nourishes blood. Helpful for those who experience GI upset with stress, as well as insomnia, angry outbursts, and irritability. Particularly nourishing for women around the time of her cycle.

Clary sage: a sweet, cooling oil whose yin nourishing and heat clearing properties contributes to its sedative actions. Clary sage relieves anxiety with panic attacks and fright. Combines well with wood oils (like sandalwood) and floral oils (like ylang ylang) to settle the emotions.

Frankincense: an aromatic resin that creates a meditative feeling, and helps calm and focus the mind. Relaxes the diaphragm to promote deep breathing, clear the lungs, and release sadness and grief. Use with neroli for anxiety and depression. Combines well with wood oils like sandalwood and patchouli.

Lavender: the quintessential relaxing scent. Promotes the smooth flow of liver qi to release stress, and diffuses lung qi to relieve chest tightness. Use lavender together with deep, resinous oils like frankincense to create calm and peace or with lighter citrus notes to lift the mood. Keep by your bedside for peaceful sleep.

Neroli: also known as orange blossom, this delightful floral oil enters the spleen and heart acupuncture meridians to nurture the Earth element and calm the spirit. Neroli brings you back to your center and helps you to be present in your body. Easy to use for children and helps with anxiety and nightmares.

Vetiver: a woodsy, base-note oil that nourishes and invigorates the blood to root the mind and calm the spirit. Regulates liver qi to release tension in the neck and shoulders. A highly therapeutic oil, vetiver is rich in mood-boosting properties and a wonderful choice for emotional support.

As you experiment with your mood-boosting oils in different blends, remember that scent is very individual. Not everyone will respond the same way to the same oils. It’s always best to try out different oils and pay close attention to your own body’s responses, and choose oils that speak to you!

A Walking Meditation for Gratitude

Practicing gratitude can be an amazing thing for your body and mind- especially during challenging and stressful times. Studies have shown that gratitude positively contributes to our spiritual wellbeing and mental health, our mood and sleep, and our cardiac health. And as we know, walking has innumerable health benefits on its own, from reducing heart disease to increasing mental cognition. 

Find some time today to cultivate gratitude and support your health with a meditative walk. 

This is an especially great practice for those who feel stress and worry and have trouble shifting a negative state of mind to one that is positive. And, I especially love the idea of a walking meditation right now because of spring’s association with the wood element and the liver meridian system. Every season has unique associations to a particular element, organ system, movement, and so on. Walking is the ideal exercise to keep the wood element balanced and the liver qi flowing smoothly.

(Related article: Spring has Sprung- but What You’re Feeling is Qi Stagnation)
 
Your 20 minute meditative walk can be anywhere: your neighborhood, a park, somewhere that inspires you. And with social distancing in place, there won’t be too many distractions.

As you walk, think about all of the things you are grateful for. 

Start simply, and see if you can mentally express gratitude about something relevant to that moment: I am grateful for this time I have to go on a walk. I am grateful for the trees. Pay attention to your senses - the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings - and see how many things you can find to feel grateful for. Pause, take a breath, and be grateful for the air that fills your lungs and makes life possible.
 
As you walk, think about the people and things that fulfill you in life and the capabilities of your body and mind. Think about the person who offered you support today, for the opportunity that came your way, and for that hard lesson learned that will potentially help you have a better tomorrow.

If you find your mind begins to wander to negative or critical thoughts, come back to the present, using your senses to find things in your immediate surroundings to be grateful for. This practice in gratitude is an effective way to shift your mood, awaken your mind to the abundance that surrounds you, and see the glass as half full.

7 Acupressure Points for Stress + Anxiety Relief

Acupuncture is well-known for inducing a relaxation response- hence the “acu-nap” many clients take on the treatment table! The insertion of extremely fine needles into the skin at specific acupuncture points releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals. It also affects the part of the brain that governs serotonin, a brain chemical involved with mood.

This is a very stressful and challenging time for many of us. If acupuncture isn’t accessible to you right now, give acupressure a try! A simple acupressure routine may help to manage some of the effects of stress and anxiety on the body.

Applying pressure to acupuncture points mobilizes energy in the channels and communicates with the nervous system to stimulate the release of those feel-good chemicals. In Chinese Medicine theory, emotions and mental functions are viewed as components of qi (the body’s vital energy) and blood. Correcting the movement of qi and blood in the meridians brings balance back to the mind, body, and spirit.

Most acupuncture points calm the nervous system, but here are a few favorites for reducing stress and easing anxiety: Du 20, Yin Tang, Ren 17, GB-21, Ht-7, Sp-6, and Lr-3.

In Chinese Medicine, all emotions have a special directionality. The “qi” of anxiety and stress is generally concentrated upwards, settling into the mind, shoulders, heart, and chest. Acupressure can help redistribute this energy through the meridians so you can ground again.

To do this, we recommend starting with Du-20, the point at the top of your head, and ending with Lr-3 on the feet for a grounding treatment. You can press the point on each side of the body to feel which one is more tender/sensitive. If you notice a difference, spend more time on the tender side. If you’re still feeling unsettled, press into the bottom of your feet, which your thumb or a tennis ball, to anchor that energy.

When locating points, feel for a tender spot or a place when your finger seems to dip slightly. Most acupuncture points are noticeable once you find them! Spend 30 seconds on each point with firm pressure, while taking nice deep breaths into your abdomen.

Tip: Try using relaxing essential oils like lavender, neroli, clary sage, sandalwood, bergamot, or vetiver to enhance your acupressure session.

(See related posts: “Essential Oils for Stress + Anxiety Relief”)

Acupressure point selection for stress and anxiety relief:

Governing Vessel 20 (Du-20) “Hundred Meetings”

Location: located at the crown of the head. Place a finger at the top of each ear and follow an imaginary line upward- Du-20 is located where your two fingers meet.

Actions: regulates the movement of all yang energy in the body. Pressing on this point can both raise the yang to lift depression and sadness, and, it can ground energy to ease anxiety and overthinking. Du-20 clears the mind to help you feel focused and present. As a “Sea of Marrow” point, Du-20 nourishes the brain and can help treat headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and other neurological conditions.

Yin Tang “Hall of Impression”

Location: located between the eyebrows, in the area known as the third eye

Actions: powerfully calms the spirit and takes the edge off emotional restlessness and anxiety. Connects with the pineal gland to promote deep relaxation and treat insomnia; relieves headaches, foggy thinking, and helps clear nasal congestion or a runny nose. A favorite point to include in any acupuncture treatment for emotional well-being.

Gall Bladder 21 (GB-21) “Shoulder Well”

Location: at the highest point of the shoulder (in the muscle), at the midpoint between the spine and the rotator cuff

Actions: a go-to area for massage, pressing into GB-21 strongly descends energy to release stress and tension held in the upper body, and, can help alleviate anger, migraines, and high blood pressure. Also helpful for those who feel you “carry the burden of the world on your shoulders”. As you press on this point, be sure you maintain steady breaths into your abdomen. Note: Do not use if pregnant.

Conception Vessel 17 (Ren 17) “Chest Center”

Location: At the center of the chest, midway between the nipples.

Actions: beneficial for those who tend to feel the effects of stress and anxiety in their chest, manifesting as shortness of breath, tightness, or palpitations. Relaxes and opens the chest, and releases the diaphragm. Known as the 'influential point of Qi', this is an essential point to regulate the movement of qi, which often becomes stuck with emotional distress.

Heart 7 (Ht-7) “Spirit Gate”

Location: on the inner wrist crease, towards the ulnar (little finger) side. Feel for a hollow at the base of the pisiform bone. 

Actions: the “source point” on the heart channel, where the vital energy of the heart organ system gathers. Deeply connects with the heart meridian to nourish the spirit and treat all emotional imbalances, and strengthen heart qi and blood. Quiets the mind and settles worry/anxiety; eases emotional distress with sleep disturbances; releases chest tightness and heart palpitations; strengthens the Fire element- animation, joy, and connection; used in the treatment of emotional shock.

Spleen 6 (Sp-6) “Three Yin Crossing”

Location: on the inside of your leg, just above your ankle. To find this point, (1) locate the highest peak of the ankle then (2) four finger widths up your leg, slightly behind the bone (tibia)

Actions: one of the best points for digestive, gynecological, and urinary issues, as well as emotional and sleep disorders. Named “3 yin crossing” because the liver and kidney meridians pass here- three organ systems that become easily taxed during times of stress. This can feel like exhaustion/fatigue, chronic pain, indigestion, and period problems. Sp-6 builds back blood and yin and moves stagnant energy in these channels. Note: Do not use if pregnant.

Liver 3 (Lr-3) “Great Surge”

Location: located on the foot, between the first and second toes, about an inch away from the web of the toes

Actions: THE point to relieve anger, stress, and irritability. Regulates the flow of qi and blood everywhere in the body to release tension and treat pain. An important point to treat menstrual and digestive conditions worsened by stress, as well as headaches and TMJ. The source point of the Liver meridian system, LR-3 nourishes Liver yin and blood and calms the spirit. Detoxifying and cleansing for the liver.

Acupressure is just one tool in the toolbox to assist with emotional concerns like stress and anxiety. If you’re looking for additional support, consider scheduling a virtual wellness visit with us! There are so many more tools to empower you in your own health, daily.

References

1. Deadman, Peter. A Manual of Acupuncture (2007)

The Benefits of Acupuncture for College Students

Test anxiety, soccer injuries, poor focus in class, frequent colds, nicotine addiction, stress headaches and neck tension... Can you relate to any of these common student afflictions? Acupuncture can help!

Acupuncture is one of the best tools out there for helping you cope with the daily stresses of your college and social life. As a holistic medicine, acupuncture looks at how root imbalances affect the whole system. When one thing is out of whack, it can affect you in multiple ways. Acupuncture excels at tackling multiple symptoms all in one treatment.

Acupuncture is a “root and branch” medicine. In other words, treatments alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms you experience and also correct the underlying imbalances of Qi in the body that may be causing your symptoms. Spleen Qi deficiency, for example, is a pattern of imbalance often associated with anxiety and worry, over- thinking, low energy and poor appetite.

Lauren Becker, Balance owner + acupuncturist, started using acupuncture herself during her sophomore year of college at the University of Maryland. The Student Health Center amazingly offered acupuncture as a service to students. Receiving treatments once a week helped relieve her allergies, asthma, and anxiety, and most importantly, enjoy college life feeling really great.

Acupuncture is much more than throwing an ice pack on your ankle sprain, or taking a Tylenol for your migraine. By treating the root of the issue, you will decrease the incidence of those migraines, prevent recurrent injuries to that vulnerable ankle, and boost your overall well-being. Acupuncture is most well-known for its ability to “take the edge off” and calm the nervous system, helping you feel less affected by and better equipped to manage the stressful aspects of life.

Bonus: many people notice improved mental clarity after acupuncture!