Taking a Chinese Medicine Approach to Relieving Daily Stress

Stress is everywhere and affects us all and life just doesn’t seem to offer enough opportunities to unwind and relieve stress. Western medicine is often sought out to help alleviate the physiological expressions of stress, but the prescriptions and methods just haven’t been the solution.

Antidepressants are one of the most prescribed medications in North America yet our stress responses are not decreasing. It appears evident that medications are not the answer and that we need to take a step back and incorporate holistic lifestyle changes.

Traditional Chinese medicine can be a part of the holistic solution for you and has been used for centuries with success. In this post, we break down a few simple Chinese medicine practices that can help you relieve stress and change your life.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that uses microneedles to help relieve stress-induced “blockages” in the body. The treatments can also help to relieve stress-related symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and hair loss.

Acupuncture works by introducing thin needles into predefined pressure points, triggering neuroendocrine responses that can help alleviate pain and help calm your mind. Several research studies corroborated the effectiveness of acupuncture as a valuable method to manage pain and relieve stress. 

Exercise

Humans are designed to move and when forced to be chained to a desk all day, ailments will arise. Regularly exercising is one of the best things to counter the effects of your desk job and is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. 

Exercise doesn’t need to be complicated, you don't need an expensive gym membership, or 3 hours per day to reap the benefits. Even a brisk walk around the neighbourhood can get the blood flowing and relieve your stress.

Diet

You are what you eat may be an old adage, but it holds just as true today. Studies show the modern ultra-processed diet rich in salt, carbohydrates, and saturated fats is directly impacting our physical and mental wellbeing.

The food you consume influences cells in your gut which directly affect your mood. Eating foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein is a proven and effective way to keep those cells healthy and to lower your stress levels.

Relax and Nourish the Mind: Meditation

Meditation has only recently garnered mainstream attention but has been a health-promoting practice for millennia. It is an evidence-informed practice that helps to relax the physical and mental self. There is nothing needed to practice meditation other than a minimum of 10 minutes of uninterrupted silence.

During these 10 minutes, you focus on your breath and learn to ignore the distractions in your mind. It is during this time that you also learn to manage physiological responses to life’s many stressors. 

Consider Adding Chinese Herbal Medicine and Herbs to Your Daily Routine

Chinese medicine and herbs are a natural alternative to Western medicine. In fact, the National Institute of Health recommends Chinese herbal medicine as a complementary treatment for many common illnesses. This brings us to the question, 'what is Chinese herbal medicine used for?' 

Recent research studies show the treatment's effectiveness in conditions such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and heart disease. Chinese medicines continue to be researched for many other chronic conditions like depression and anxiety as well. 

Experience Chinese Medicine’s Benefits Today



Chinese medicine has been helping many live more peaceful lives in Eastern cultures for many years and can be a solution for you too.

Call 902- 407-6070 or visit our website to contact one of our experts. They'll help you determine which Chinese medicines are appropriate for you and can help you get started with easing your stress today.