Stress is a normal part of life. Our natural stress responses like increased heart rate and blood pressure, mental acuity, and heightened focus help us respond in emergencies and deliver results quickly in a time of high demand.

Stress can make us feel alive, essential and engaged in small doses. And while a little stress is OK —too much stress can wear us down and make us sick, both mentally and physically.

When we are overly stressed over a long period of time, the stress chemicals our bodies release such as cortisol, adrenaline, norepinephrine can cause harm over time.

When stress is chronic, your risk increases for depression and anxiety, heart attack and heart disease, obesity, and eating disorders, and more severe gut problems like GERD, colitis, and IBS.

The first step to controlling stress is to know the symptoms of stress. But recognizing stress symptoms may be harder than you think. Most of us are so used to being stressed, we often don't know we are stressed until we are at the breaking point.

You may experience any of the following symptoms of stress:

Emotional symptoms of stress include:

• Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody

• Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control

• Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind

• Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed

• Avoiding others

Physical symptoms of stress include:

• Low energy

• Headaches

• Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation and nausea

• Aches, pains, and tense muscles

• Chest and rapid heartbeat

• Insomnia

• Frequent colds and infections

• Loss of sexual desire and/or ability

• Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands and feet

• Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing

• Clenched jaw and grinding teeth

Cognitive symptoms of stress include:

• Constant worrying

• Racing thoughts

• Forgetfulness and disorganization

• Inability to focus

• Poor judgment

• Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side

Behavioural symptoms of stress include:

• Changes in appetite -- either not eating or eating too much

• Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities

• Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes

• Exhibiting more nervous behaviours, such as nail biting, fidgeting, and pacing

Traditional Chinese Medicine proactively reduces stress.

Head Tuina, Acupuncture, Cupping are one of the modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has helped countless people reduce stress and improve overall well being for centuries.

Here’s how:

When the fine needles stimulate nerves under the skin, the nerve sends a message to the brain, telling it to release our 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.

While Head Tuina, believed to be the oldest system of bodywork, stimulates the flow of Qi to promote balance and harmony within the body using many of the same principles of acupuncture.

Head Tuina focuses on the meridians and acupuncture points of the scalp, face, neck and shoulders and helps to naturally restore the body’s energetic balance which can be negatively impacted by today’s fast-paced and stressful lifestyles.

It involves a gentle manipulations which provide a deep sense of relaxation and rejuvenating experience among numerous other benefits.

Head Tuina and Acupuncture are just one of the many tools in the toolbox to assist with emotional concerns like stress and anxiety.

If you’re looking for additional support, consider scheduling an appointment with us. Call to book or book online