KATY BRADSHAW ACUPUNCTUREAcupuncture for Stress
Posted on September 20, 2023
In our fast-paced modern world, stress has become an ever-present companion; affecting both our physical and mental well-being.
In the UK, its effects on mental health are staggering: recent statistics show that approximately 74% of adults have reported feeling stressed, overwhelmed and unable to cope at some point in the past year.
Symptoms of stress
Stress is the body’s natural response to external challenges and pressures. Having a healthy stress-response is a normal part of being human and our ability to respond to and recover from stressful events is part of our very successful survival instinct!
However, if stressful triggers are too big, too frequent or our resources are too low then our body is unable to maintain a healthy response. It can then manifest in a multitude of symptoms that impact both our physical and mental well-being.
- Common symptoms of stress include heightened anxiety, often characterised by racing thoughts, restlessness, and constant worry.
- Physically, it can lead to muscle tension, headaches, and even digestive issues like stomach aches or irritable bowel syndrome.
- Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or frequent awakenings can also be indicative of stress.
- It can affect our emotional state, leading to mood swings, irritability, and an inability to concentrate or make decisions.
- Prolonged stress can eventually lead to more severe physical and psychological conditions that may necessitate medical intervention.
But what if there was a different approach that went beyond conventional methods? And how might acupuncture hold the answer?
How does Chinese medicine understand stress?
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), our understanding of stress and its impact on the body is deeply rooted in the concept of balance and the flow of vital energy, known as “Qi”.
Whether it stems from emotional turmoil, lifestyle factors, or environmental influences, it is believed to disrupt the free flow of Qi through the body’s meridians, leading to stagnation or blockages. These energy blockages can manifest as physical and mental symptoms, ranging from muscle tension and headaches to anxiety and insomnia. Moreover, TCM emphasises the interconnectedness of the body’s organ systems, acknowledging that chronic stress can weaken vital organs, such as the Liver or Heart, leading to imbalances in their respective functions.
Managing stress is essential for maintaining the body’s natural equilibrium, promoting the smooth flow of Qi, and preventing the development of more severe health issues over time.
How does acupuncture treat stress?
Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to stress reduction by targeting both the physical and mental aspects of this common condition. When fine needles are delicately inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body, a cascade of physiological responses is triggered.
One of the key mechanisms involves the stimulation of the nervous system, particularly the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. This activation promotes relaxation and reduces the “fight or flight” response associated with stress, effectively lowering cortisol levels, a stress hormone. Additionally, acupuncture encourages the release of endorphins and other natural painkillers, which not only alleviate physical discomfort but also elevate mood, creating an overall sense of calm and well-being. The personalised and holistic nature of acupuncture treatment accounts for its ability to address the root causes of stress, offering individuals a path to sustainable relief and improved emotional resilience.
After each session with Katy my sleep is better and my anxiety is reduced.
What does the science say?
Scientific research into the effectiveness of acupuncture for stress and anxiety has yielded promising results. Numerous studies have documented the positive impact of acupuncture on the body’s stress response mechanisms. Moreover, studies using brain imaging techniques such as fMRI have shown that acupuncture can modulate the activity of brain regions associated with stress and anxiety regulation. A meta-analysis of clinical trials has also indicated that acupuncture can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety when compared to control groups.
Want to try it for yourself? Then why not book in for a free consultation to see if acupuncture can help with your mental well-being.
Evidence for Acupuncture
Posted on November 9, 2018
There are around four million acupuncture treatments per year in the UK, of which around half are delivered by members of the British Acupuncture Council. Musculoskeletal pain is the most common condition that patients present with, but traditional acupuncturists see people with a wide range of conditions; mental ill health and infertility are the next most prevalent (Hopton 2012): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22240649
The best place to look at the evidence for acupuncture is at Evidence Based Acupuncture. I cannot rate this work highly enough.
You can also find out more via the British Acupuncture Council, who provide a series of fact sheets on a wide range of conditions and include summaries of research and how acupuncture may be beneficial.
But remember…
Measuring the efficacy of acupuncture from a Western point of view isn’t without its complications.
Chinese medicine is practised and understood in its own terms. Whilst Western science is based on facts and measurements, the classical Chinese worldview looks more at patterns and qualities; it is more about human sensory experience (Kaz Wegmuller 2015).
Also…
Acupuncture trials are usually carried out comparing real acupuncture vs sham (needles placed into non-points), but this shows little understanding of how acupuncture actually works and more often than not leads to less accurate outcomes. More work needs to be done on comparing acupuncture outcomes with other modalities of treatment.
Contact me for more information.
Acupuncture Brighton
Posted on February 27, 2014
Are you…
- searching for Acupuncture in Brighton
- ready to prioritise your self-care
- need choice and control over your health
- want to invest in yourself for the long-term
- prefer a natural approach to managing your health
- expect to feel listened to, supported and understood
Perhaps you are also…
- fed up with feeling tired, unhappy or in pain
- longing to be parents but need help to conceive
- navigating menopause or a mid-life transition
- feeling over-worked, over-stretched and undervalued
- wondering if there may be an emotional cause to your illness
- struggling to find a solution to your health problems
Then you’re in the right place.
I say let’s befriend our bodies. Let’s prioritise our needs so we can say yes to what matters so that we can feel good in our skin and in control of our lives. Let’s transform our health so that we can flourish and thrive.
You are worth the investment.
My name is Katy Bradshaw and I am a trauma-informed acupuncturist in Brighton. I help people to transform their health so that they can flourish and thrive.
I believe that mental and physical dis-ease is in the most part, your body telling you that something in your life isn’t right. Something is out of balance.
I create a safe space for you to pause, listen and reflect so that you can tune in to what your body is telling you. We will have the unique conversations that you won’t be having anywhere else, where you will gain new insights into what’s really going on.
I will listen in to what’s going on for you, help to clear out what’s stuck, and strengthen and support your whole system so you can really begin to thrive.
I use my extensive experience and draw on many different tools to help you enact this courageous change. It takes patience, compassion and a different way of thinking but it’s worth the investment.
What people are saying…
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Want to get started right away? Then you can download my free eBook ‘Master your habits to Transform your health’ – A guide to successfully transforming your health one small step at a time.
Katy Bradshaw Acupuncture
An outstanding acupuncture clinic in Brighton founded by Katy Bradshaw in 2011.
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Katy Bradshaw Acupuncture
37 Stanmer Park Road
Brighton
BN1 7JL
TEL: 07967316964
