Educational Blogs
Fresh Start, Fresh Energy: Handling Stress with Acupuncture
Intro
As the temperatures grow more consistent, it’s a good time to rest and check in with yourself. Resetting your mind and refocusing your goals will help manage stress, reduce anxiety, and enable you to make the most of the warming weather!
Everyone feels stressed, at one point or another, but finding beneficial ways to manage it can help you feel better sooner. Listening to your body and giving what it needs is the first step in feeling like your best self. This is a great time to take a break, reset your mind, and set goals for the rest of Spring.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
MBSR is a series of techniques that give you the tools to recognize how your mind and body feel and the space to heal and improve. These ‘mindfulness checkups’ help decrease stress and anxiety in the long run, resulting in more stable emotions.
A big part of MBSR is meditation, breathing exercises, and stretching. Meditation might seem daunting to some at first, but there are several resources to help you! Using guided meditations, listening to your favorite music, or simply enjoying the silence are good ways to get started. Finding a quiet place to sit or lie down, doing breathing exercises in the shower, or simply closing your eyes for 5 minutes during a busy day can be extremely beneficial! Discovering what method works best for you might take some time, but keep trying!
Acupuncture and Massage
Along with MBSR strategies, regular acupuncture and massage help to release stress and reduce anxiety. Acupuncture targets the nervous system to promote circulation, resulting in easing tensions in the body and relaxing the mind. Message targets the muscular system, decompressing nerves and releasing tight areas. Together, they kickstart the body’s natural healing process, which reduces stress while helping you feel better across the board.
To bring acupuncture and massage benefits into your daily life, you can also try ear seeds. Utilizing pressure points on the outer ear, these small beads can improve mood, migraines, digestion, and even insomnia. Place the ear seeds on specific spots and gently massage for 2-3 minutes and enjoy the benefits! Be sure to consult your acupuncturist beforehand!
In addition to Ear Seeds, there are other ways to take advantage of acupunture and massage techniques outside of regular treatments. Working with Acupressure points is a great way to take some self care time to relieve stress and anxiety. There are pressure points throughout the body that can helpwith different things. Yingtang, also known as the third eye chakra, is located between the eyebrows on the forehead. Massaging this spot for 2-3 minutes can calm the mind and help you relax. The Heart 7 point, located just below the palm on the inside of your wrist, helps to lower the heartrate, which calms the body and mind.
Boost Energy Levels
Warmer weather is the perfect time to get active! May is National Bike Month, and biking is a great way to get some exercise. Regular physical activities can help feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety. It releases endorphins, which help your brain feel better, and increase your overall well-being. Exercising for 20-30 minutes a day can also help you sleep better at night. Exercise can look like a lot of different things, such as biking, walking, hiking, or even dancing. It can also include yoga, which centers your mind and relaxes your body. Whichever kind of exercise you prefer, now is the perfect time to add it to your schedule!
Chinese Herbs and Healthy Foods
D’AO Labs has several Chinese herb blends that target specific concerns you may have, including emotional balance, joint pain, and digestive issues. They come in a few different forms, including tablets, or dissolvable water packets. Taking advantage of the benefits these herbs have to offer is a great tool for self-care!
While using these herbs, it is important to incorporate healthy foods into your diet and stay hydrated. ‘Springtime foods”, such as leafy greens (kale, spinach, arugula) and citrus fruits (lemons, limes, grapefruit) are known for boosting energy levels while also encouraging new growth. This recipe for Grilled Shrimp Skewers is a great source of greens and protein and is also very easy to substitute for different meats or even tofu!
Seasonal Fitness Activities
Getting outside and exercising in the springtime is crucial for rejuvenating both the body and mind after the winter months. The fresh air and increased sunlight not only boost vitamin D levels but also invigorate our spirits, promoting overall well-being and vitality.
Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, walking, or gardening are great for the body. Some indoor activities that are great are pilates, yoga, cycling, and strength stretching. Regular movement helps maintain flexibility, strength, and mobility in muscles and joints, which are essential for overall physical function and well-being.
You do not need to spend many hours in the gym to experience the many health benefits of exercise. Spending at least 30 minutes three to four times per week is beneficial for your health in the long run. Remember, every step towards better health is a step in the right direction!
Conclusion
In conclusion, prioritizing your well-being and taking proactive steps toward managing stress and enhancing your health can greatly improve your quality of life. Whether it’s through mindfulness practices like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, regular acupuncture and massage sessions, incorporating physical activity into your routine, or embracing the benefits of Chinese herbs and healthy foods, there are numerous avenues to support your journey to optimal health and vitality.
Remember, every small step you take towards self-care and wellness adds up, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. So, seize the opportunity this spring to invest in your health and embark on a path of rejuvenation and vitality.
References
Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Stress Busters: 4 Integrative Treatments.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/stress-busters-4-integrative-treatments.
Mulhern, Monica. “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: Impact on Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 23 Aug. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4203477/.
Masterpiece Living. “Activities for All Seasons.” Masterpiece Living, www.mymasterpieceliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Activities-for-All-Seasons.pdf.
Cherney, Kristeen. “5 Fun Workout Ideas for Spring.” Verywell Fit, 1 Mar. 2022, www.verywellfit.com/5-fun-workout-ideas-for-spring-5218287.
Tealeaves. “10 Self-Care Tips.” Tealeaves, www.tealeaves.com/blogs/explore-our-teas/10-self-care-tips.
L’Hommedieu, Lana. “Ear Seeds: How Acupressure Technique May Enhance Overall Wellness.” Everyday Health, 17 Aug. 2020, www.everydayhealth.com/alternative-health/ear-seeds-how-acupressure-technique-may-enhance-overall-wellness/.
Dao Labs. “5 Foods to Eat for Spring Health.” Dao Labs, https://mydaolabs.com/blogs/the-way/5-foods-to-eat-for-spring-health
HelpGuide. “The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise.” HelpGuide, www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm.
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