Stress & sleep
Acupuncture for Stress & Tension
Prolonged stress can show up as inner tension, a rushed feeling and difficulty settling down. The body responds too, for example with tense muscles, headaches or an unsettled stomach. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used to support the body in rediscovering relaxation.
How does stress show up?
Stress in itself is a normal response of the body. When faced with a challenge or pressure, the body briefly shifts up a gear. When that tension persists without enough moments of recovery, however, the body can remain in a kind of permanent state of alertness.
Many people describe it as constantly feeling "on". Your mind keeps racing, you lose your temper more quickly, concentrating becomes harder or you notice that relaxing is difficult even in your free time. Physical signals are common as well: a tense neck and shoulders, jaw clenching, headaches, palpitations, an unsettled stomach and shallow breathing.
When stress continues for a longer period, it can affect sleep, energy levels and mood. Paying attention to the signals of tension early on can help prevent complaints from building up further.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Stress from a TCM perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, body and mind are seen as one whole. Stress and emotional tension are associated with a disrupted flow of Qi. Which complaints are most prominent differs from person to person and helps determine the choice of treatment.
Liver Qi stagnation
Gan Qi Yu JieWithin TCM, the Liver ensures the smooth flow of Qi. With persistent tension, this flow can become obstructed. This is associated with irritability, a pent-up feeling, sighing, tension in the neck and shoulders, and complaints that worsen with stress.
Ascending Liver Yang
Gan Yang Shang KangWhen tension builds up over a longer period, TCM describes a pattern in which energy rises upwards. This may be accompanied by headaches, a flushed face, a driven feeling and becoming irritated easily.
Disturbed Shen
Shen Bu AnWithin TCM, the Shen represents the mind and is connected to the Heart. When the Shen is disturbed, this may show up as a crowded mind, palpitations, worrying and difficulty settling down or falling asleep.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help with stress?
Treatment is tailored to how the tension shows up for you: more in the mind, in the body or in your sleep. Depending on this, acupuncture, laser acupuncture, laser ear acupuncture or a combination may be used.
- 01Targeted acupuncture: very fine needles are used on acupuncture points that are applied within TCM for calm and improved flow. Many people already experience a sense of relaxation during the treatment.
- 02Laser ear acupuncture: points on the ear are always treated with the laser, without needles. These points are often used for tension and restlessness and can be combined with the rest of the treatment.
- 03Attention to physical tension: when stress settles in the neck, shoulders or jaw, these areas can be specifically included in the treatment.
- 04Acupressure: targeted pressure on acupuncture points can complement the treatment. You will also be shown points you can use yourself at moments when tension rises.
- 05Rhythm and recovery: alongside the treatment, attention is given to factors in daily life that may maintain the tension, such as sleep, workload and moments of recovery.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help with stress?
Acupuncture can be used to support the body in finding calm and relaxation. Treatment is tailored to how stress shows up for you, both physically and mentally.
Which physical complaints can be related to stress?
Stress may show up as tense muscles in the neck and shoulders, headaches, jaw clenching, palpitations, stomach or abdominal complaints, shallow breathing and sleep problems.
Is an acupuncture treatment relaxing in itself?
Many people experience the treatment as relaxing. During the session you lie quietly while the needles or laser light take effect. Some people even fall asleep for a moment.
Can laser acupuncture be used for stress?
Yes. For stress, laser acupuncture can be applied to the same points used within TCM for calm and relaxation, including points on the ear. Because no needles are involved, many people find it an accessible first step.
What is ear acupuncture?
In ear acupuncture, specific points on the ear are treated. At Bai Kang this is always done with the laser: no needles are placed in the ear. This form is often used for tension, restlessness and sleep problems and can be combined with acupuncture elsewhere on the body.
How many treatments are needed?
This varies per person and depends on how long the complaints have existed and how they present. After the first treatments, we review together how you respond and what a suitable follow-up would be.
What is the difference between stress and burnout?
Stress is a response to pressure or tension and can subside after rest. Burnout involves prolonged exhaustion, where rest is no longer sufficient to recover. Prolonged stress can, however, be a precursor to burnout.
Related
Related complaints & patterns
Restlessness & overstimulation
Heightened sensitivity to stimuli, a crowded mind, and emotional restlessness.
Sleep problems
Trouble falling asleep, restless sleep, waking frequently, or waking up unrefreshed.
Burnout & exhaustion
Prolonged exhaustion, low energy, and the feeling your reserves are empty, even after rest.
Personal Treatment Plan
Constantly "on" and unable to relax?
During a treatment, we look at how tension shows up for you and which form of acupuncture suits you best.