Acupuncture’s Feel Good Chemicals
One of the most common “ailments” treated by acupuncturists is stress. Acupuncture has been shown conclusively to relieve stress in a variety of ways and promote relaxation. These include stimulating the release of endorphins – the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals – that immediately act on the brain to promote a feeling of general well-being. The pressure points targeted by acupuncturists also cause tension release – relaxation by definition – of strained muscles.
Powerful Psychological Effect From Acupuncture
Another way in which acupuncture promotes relaxation is through the powerful psychological effect associated with the treatment. Since the procedure – when properly done – causes feelings of well-being as explained above, patients leave a treatment session immediately feeling better than when they went and, consequently, with an optimistic attitude. The mind is a very powerful thing and everyone knows that having a positive attitude can have a profound effect on our physical and emotional well being. This, in turn, ties right back into the original point about promoting relaxation – it starts in the mind.
The power of positive “chi”
Finally, following Chinese tradition, acupuncture targets specific “channels” within our bodies (plotted out by Chinese physicians) and acupuncturists are trained to find the correct channels (and the pressure points through which they may be accessed) for the application of their therapy. Proper placement of the needles is supposed to effectively “rewire” our “chi” (can be loosely translated to mean life energy or spirit) so that every aspect of our being is relaxed and healed.
Whether you believe in the last point about Chinese tradition, the others are medical significant facts that explain exactly how acupuncture will help you be more relaxed and less stressed. Some research on acupuncturists in your area should turn up enough results for you to find a practitioner that can help you reach your relaxation and overall well-being goals.