Stress Management

Over half a million people in the UK suffer from stress, which can often lead to illness. Stress can manifest in different ways for different people - physical symptoms could be tiredness, lethargy, aching or tight muscles, headaches,chest tightness, palpitations or problems sleeping. Whereas mental symptoms of stress include mood swings, depression, anxiety, anger, frustration, paranoia or wanting to withdraw.

Research shows that acupuncture treatment may specifically benefit anxiety and stress by:

• reducing pain and stress by acting on specific areas of the brain
• promoting relaxation and deactivation of the 'analytical' part of the brain which is in charge of anxiety and worry
• regulating neurotransmitter and hormone levels such as serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine, to alter the brain's mood chemistry
• stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system to initiate the body's relaxation response.

For further information on this research please go to the British Acupuncture Council, www.acupuncture.org.uk