Stress, Anxiety and Insomnia
In this day and age of constantly being on the go, we never get the chance to settle down. At some point, our bodies and minds need an opportunity to slow down, to stop running away from the saber-toothed tiger.
Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy and Frequency Specific Microcurrent can help to settle the nervous system which can help decrease overall stress and anxiety associated with your daily life.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, chronic stress has become an ever-present companion for many, casting a shadow over mental and physical well-being. In a study in 2009, researchers looked into the realm of acupuncture to unravel its potential in alleviating the behavioral and physiological responses induced by chronic mild stress (CMS). The study, conducted on Sprague–Dawley rats, offers intriguing insights into the therapeutic effects of acupuncture on stress-related ailments.
Understanding Chronic Mild Stress:
The study spanned over 8 weeks, during which rats were subjected to various chronic unpredictable, mild stressors. The impacts of this prolonged stress were evident in the rats’ reduced sucrose intake, increased anxiety levels, and slower body weight gain compared to their non-stressed counterparts.
Evaluating Acupuncture’s Impact:
The researchers utilized two distinct acupuncture points – PC6 on the pericardium channels and TE5 – to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of acupuncture.
Key Findings:
- Behavioral Responses: Rats exposed to CMS showed a significant decrease in sucrose intake and increased anxiety, as evidenced by reduced latency in the open arms of the EPM. However, acupuncture at point PC6 effectively restored the stress-induced decrease in open-arm latency.
- Physiological Responses: Chronic stress significantly increased FLI in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Notably, acupuncture at PC6, but not at TE5, attenuated FLI in the PVN, highlighting the specificity of acupuncture points in addressing stress-induced neurochemical changes.
- Body Weight: Acupuncture at PC6 also played a role in normalizing body weight gain, further emphasizing its potential in counteracting the physiological impacts of chronic stress.
Implications and Conclusion:
These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of acupuncture in mitigating the biochemical and behavioral impairments induced by chronic stress. The specificity of acupuncture points, as evidenced by the differential impact of PC6 and TE5, suggests a nuanced approach to treatment. The study suggests that acupuncture may hold promise as a complementary therapy for chronic stress-related diseases, including depression and anxiety.
As we navigate the complex landscape of mental health, acupuncture emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a holistic and alternative approach to alleviating the burdens of chronic stress. This study opens the door to a new chapter in the integration of traditional practices with modern medicine, bringing us one step closer to a more comprehensive approach to well-being.
If have questions or would like to schedule an appointment with us at ABR Acupuncture and Functional Dry Needling in Greensboro please give us a call at either location.