Stress is an inevitable part of life; it affects many people in various ways and at different points. In the society that we live in today, it is crucial to understand what the impact of stress can have on both the body and mind. So, what is stress? Stress is the body’s natural response to challenging situations, whether real or perceived. Feeling stressed activates the “flight or fight” response, releasing hormones like cortisol (the stress hormone) and adrenaline. Whilst this response is essential for survival, chronic stress can harm overall well-being. The “flight or fight” response, also known as the sympathetic nervous system, is paired with the parasympathetic nervous system as part of the autonomic nervous system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this can be understood as the Yin and Yang forces within the body working together in balance.
Although stress is rooted in emotional strain, it significantly influences physical health through the connection between the body and mind. Common physical symptoms of anxiety include headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues and sleep disturbances. Moreover, Salleh (2008) stated that if stress is left untreated, chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, ulcers, and cancer may develop. Therefore, getting treatment or learning to manage stress is vital to your health and longevity.
Chinese Medicines View on Stress
According to Maciocia (2015), emotional stress serves as an internal catalyst for disease, directly impacting the internal organs and initiating a detrimental cycle. Conversely, the diagram below illustrates that internal organ disharmony can induce emotional imbalances, creating a reciprocal relationship. Additionally, stress has the potential to disturb the mind, manifesting as unhappiness, depression or anxiety. The initial consequence of emotional stress on the body is its influence on proper circulation, and Qi flows directly. Furthermore, Macocia notes that prolonged emotional states, particularly stress, can result in Qi stagnation. This stagnation, in turn, may generate Heat within the body, progressing into Fire, intensifying the disturbance to the mind and causing heightened agitation and anxiety.
So, what does the scientific research say about acupuncture’s effects on stress?
Wild et al. (2020) conducted a randomised controlled pilot study with 70 participants who suffered from alleviated stress levels. These subjects were split into three groups: verum acupuncture, sham, and control. The results were analysed using a Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ-20), and various variables were assessed three months after treatment. The results of this study showed that sham and verum acupuncture showed a significant improvement in their PSQ-20 scores compared to the control group, which did not receive any acupuncture treatment.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a vital component of the neuroendocrine system, which plays a central role in the body’s response to stress. In 2018, Pirnia et al. conducted a random double-blind controlled study on the effectiveness of acupuncture on the HPA. Their results provided evidence of acupuncture being effective in regulating this system and improving cortisol secretion and the performance of the Adrenocorticotropic hormone, located within the pituitary gland and triggers the adrenal glands to release cortisol. In 2019, Pirnia et al. conducted a further double-blind study researching the effects of auricular acupuncture on suicidal ideation and cortisol levels in methadone users. The participants of this study received acupuncture twice a week for four weeks, and the results provided evidence that auricular acupuncture can reduce cortisol levels significantly compared to the sham acupuncture group.
An acupuncturist has various ways of analysing the internal bodily signs and symptoms through multiple techniques such as pulse taking, channel palpation, observing the tongue and questioning the systems through a verbal interview. However, stress usually stems from external factors (some that can be avoided, others that can’t), a qualified acupuncturist can use these tools to identify what internal Organs may be out of balance, causing the individual’s symptoms. An acupuncturist can restore the body's Qi and bring it back into balance through the use of needles, cups, moxa, and other Chinese modalities such as herbs. In Western medicine, this would be called homeostasis.
Pirnia et al. (2019)
Pirnia et al. (2018)
Maciocia (2015) The Practice of Chinese Medicine. London: Churchill Livingstone
Salleh (2008) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3341916/
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