I keep finding myself saying, “what bizarre times we are living.” The truth is that we are all facing extraordinary circumstances that ad layers of stress to our day to day. Whether we are caring for others, struggling with work/family balance, navigating our daily routine and new normal, our emotions can be all over the place. While some days are better than others, self-care is of utmost importance during this time. Reducing stress not only helps us move forward with peace of mind but is also crucial for our immune system to ward off illness and for our bodies to be healthy.
DYI Chinese Medicine for Stress Reduction:
REMEMBERING TO BREATHE (and DEEPLY)
You can do this anywhere and at any time. Deep breathing is one of the best ways to help lower stress and relax the body. When you take deep breaths, you send messages to your brain that say ‘calm down and relax’ which then send messages to your body. If your exhale takes longer than your inhale, you are sending messages to your Vagus Nerve (a nerve that runs from your neck to your diaphragm) which sends a signal to your brain to turn up your parasympathetic nervous system. This results in reducing the fight or flight response, much like the relaxation achieved during an acupuncture treatment. The fun part is the more you practice, the more your body will automatically do this on its own.
In Chinese Medicine, proper rest and movement is crucial to our health.
TAKE A BREAK WITH HERBAL TEA
There are wonderful healing properties in herbal teas. Whether you have a Chinese herbal formula already prepared or your favorite store bought tea, sitting with a warm healing beverage can be soothing and create a sense of calm.
MOVE YOUR QI (ENERGY)
Moving the body is a powerful healing tool. Taking a walk activates your deepest meridians and energies. Walking for 30 to 60 minutes a day can dissolve stress, improve brain function, tone your muscles, improve lymphatic function, support digestive health and so much more.
ROUTINE
Many find that sticking to a daily routine is helpful in managing stress levels while improving mental health and lessening anxiety. Having more predictability with the small things that we do have control over can help combat the anxiety we often feel with so many larger unknowns that remain out of our control. Maintaining a schedule may help you feel more focused, help to connect you to your self-care in a positive way, and to feel a sense of accomplishment.
SEEK SUPPORT
We all need each other to feel connected. Reaching out to a friend via phone or zoom can remind us that we are not alone in our experience.
HEALTHCARE & VIRTUAL WELLNESS
As a practitioner of acupuncture and Chinese herbal Medicine I am here to support you. If in office acupuncture treatments are not comfortable for you at this time, there is the option of virtual wellness visits!
In a virtual visit we will discuss your health concerns via online platform or phone. We will create your own unique self-care routine and at home treatments specific to your needs. We may discuss treatment options such as Chinese herbal medicine (a natural way to heal a multitude of ailments as well as mitigate side effects of other medications), supplements, vitamins, guided acupressure prescriptions, guided tui-na (Chinese Massage), essential oils, lifestyle & nutritional recommendations and more!
‘Chinese Medicine views the body as a garden. As gardens cycle with the seasons, our bodies do as well. Spring is the time of growth and renewal. It’s a perfect time to cleanse and rejuvenate health and wellness.’
Spring Is In The Air!
Spring is a favorite season of mine! During springtime the air has a certain vibrance, clarity, and newness. When we think of spring, we think of flowers blooming again, nature regrowth, and clear expansive skies. This also applies to Chinese Medicine philosophy. Springtime represents outward moving energy, rebirth, cleansing, and a time of restoration.
The organ system that is predominant during the spring is the liver. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow and movement of qi or energy in the body. When the liver energy is flowing smoothly, physical and emotional energy flow smoothly as well.
Move Your Qi (Energy) By Moving Your Body!
It can be something as simple as taking the dog for a walk, going for a bike ride, yoga, gardening, or any activity that you love. Stretching can awaken the expansive energy within your body!
Nutrition!
Acupuncture!
Although there isn't a one size fits all answer to coping with anxiety, here is a link to a Huffington Post article on some lifestyle changes that have helped people. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can also help treat anxiety and other emotional imbalances with much success!
"17 ‘Small,’ But Significant, Lifestyle Changes That Help People With Anxiety"
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