Our Emotions

ACUPUNCTURE AND THE EMOTIONS

Acupuncture addresses emotions like stress and grief by balancing the body’s energy, or Qi (Chi), and addressing the physiological and emotional components of these feelings. Here’s how it works:

Restoring Energy Flow

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective: Emotions are thought to disrupt the flow of Qi along the body’s meridians (energy pathways). For example:
• Grief is often associated with the lungs in TCM.
• Stress relates to the liver and heart meridians.
• Acupuncture helps restore balance by stimulating specific points that correspond to these organs, promoting emotional and physical harmony.

Releasing Endorphins and Neurotransmitters

• Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins and other neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which help reduce stress, improve mood, and alleviate feelings of sadness or grief.

Regulating the Stress Response

• Cortisol Reduction: Acupuncture has been shown in studies to lower cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone), helping the body return to a calmer state.
• Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System: By calming the “fight or flight” response, acupuncture supports relaxation and resilience during emotional distress.

Addressing Physical Symptoms

• Emotions like grief and stress often manifest as physical symptoms, including:
• Tightness in the chest.
• Shortness of breath (linked to grief).
• Digestive issues (linked to stress).
• Acupuncture treats these symptoms, creating a sense of relief that indirectly supports emotional healing.