Reduce Stress with Acupuncture and Healthy Sleep Habits
Stress is on the rise in America. Stress is a major health issue in the U.S. and it is estimated that almost one-third of Americans are living with extreme stress.
Many people have become accustomed to a higher degree of stress, which is a dangerous trend. Stress symptoms can adversely impact the body, thoughts, and feelings. If left unchecked, stress can contribute to several health issues, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart problems.
Acupuncture can help relieve stress. A trained acupuncturist in Santa Rosa knows to target specific areas of the body to release endorphins, a group of hormones that deal with stress and reduce pain, to promote a feeling of well-being.
Stress and sleep are interlinked. Chronic stress can adversely affect sleep quality and quantity, while insufficient sleep can increase stress levels. Acupuncture can be used with good sleep habits for long-term stress management.
Here are some tips for healthy sleep:
- Ditch Your Phone and Other Devices Before Bed: Turn off your devices such as television, laptop, and smartphone at least 2-3 hours before bed as blue light from them can interfere with sleep.
- Follow a Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday. This will allow your brain to adjust and release hormones at the right time.
- Exercise Regularly: Exercise helps improve both the quality and quantity of sleep. Adding any form of physical activity to your daily routine can contribute to healthier sleep.
- Use a Comfortable Mattress: Use a comfortable (firm or medium firm) mattress with a softer pillow top that provides the spine with the right balance of support and cushioning.
Acupuncture for Stress
Acupuncturists are trained to apply pressure at specific pressure points to heal and improve blood circulation in certain parts of the body. Acupuncture can help boost energy levels, promoting relaxation.
Acupuncture is relaxing and does not have any significant side effects. Many people living with stress report feeling relaxed after an acupuncture session. Acupuncture also stimulates the release of melaton in, the hormone responsible for regulating night and day cycles.
A few years back, a study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating stress. The study involved 62 participants with high self-reported stress levels.
The participants were divided into two groups – a verum acupuncture group and a sham acupuncture group. Both groups received treatment every week for 12 weeks. Initially, the perceived stress scores of participants in both groups decreased; however, post treatment, the verum acupuncture group showed significantly greater improvement.
Looking for an acupuncturist in Santa Rosa who can use acupuncture to reduce stress? Walk into our clinic. At Acupuncture Mama, we have assembled an A-team of acupuncturists. Whether you are living with chronic pain or have headache symptoms, we can help. To book a consultation session with one of our acupuncturists, call us at (707) 755-7148.