Clearly, many of us are feeling the stress of our world.  The body’s natural response to stress is to go into the state of “fight or flight.”

Here’s what “fight or flight” looks like physiologically—Our heart rate increases, our pupils dilate, and our digestion temporarily shuts down, directing blood to our extremities, so that if need be, we can either fight what is threatening us, or turn and run if the threat is too formidable.

This reaction is helpful when there is a physical threat to our body.  BUT, it is a primitive response that doesn’t is not helpful for stress cause by issues of daily life.

So, when you complain of upper back, shoulder and neck pain it’s usually cause by the tension created during this response system.  Tension in the muscles around these areas, block the free flow of energy (qi), causing pain, tightness, and often leading to headaches and tightness in the jaw.

Stress, Anxiety, and generally agitation effects other parts of the body, most notably digestion, the ability to sleep, pain conditions, and blood pressure.  In truth, it messes with all of our existing health conditions.

Acupuncture works to alleviate stress by releasing natural pain-killing chemicals in the brain, called endorphins. In addition, acupuncture improves circulation of blood throughout the body, which oxygenates the tissues and cycles out cortisol and other waste chemicals. The calming nature of acupuncture also decreases heart rate, lowers blood pressure and relaxes the muscles.

A positive regime of good nutrition, exercise and stress reducing practices with help combat all that gets pitched at the body regularly.

As an acupuncturist, herbalist, nutritional counselor, message therapist, and life coach—I integrate many diverse modalities into one treatment.  Many of my patients have referred to me endearingly as the “one stop shop.”