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Although we typically view the holidays as a warm time of giving and being with our loved ones, they do tend to cause a lot of stress. Between the dense crowds at retail stores and going down the checklist of gifts you need to purchase for friends and family, these months can definitely trigger a tension headache or two. 

Stress and anxiety are the last things anyone wants to experience when preparing for the holidays, but sometimes it just can’t be helped. Sometimes, you need the help of a third-party practice of self-care.

Here is how acupuncture can help ease the pain and pressure of the holiday season.

How Does Acupuncture Aid in Stress Reduction?

Acupuncture is an effective remedy for the body that involves inserting extremely thin needles into precise acupuncture sites in the skin. Acupuncture is most known for alleviating pain within the body, but it can also help with tension, stress, and anxiety. When we are under a lot of stress, our emotional and physical health suffer, which can lead to anxiety, depression, or exhaustion. Acupuncture can help decrease stress and anxiety by affecting the area of your brain that regulates emotions, naturally reducing tension.

Acupuncture Can Alleviate Anxiety, Stress, and Depression

Unpleasant enough on their own— stress, anxiety, and depression also disrupt the flow of energy in your body. Energy runs through our bodies via a “highway system,” or meridian channels, according to Chinese medicine. Stress, on the other hand, operates like traffic congestion, impeding the free passage of energy (qi) throughout the body. When there is a roadblock on a highway system, it usually impacts other parts of the highway. This is also true for stress, which can influence many other regions of the body, including digestion, blood pressure, pain, and sleep. These energy obstructions can be removed with acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture placements can help energy flow smoothly while also relieving stress and anxiety. It works by producing endorphins, which are natural painkilling substances in the brain. Acupuncture also promotes blood circulation throughout the body, which oxygenates the tissues and cycles out cortisol and other undesirable substances. Acupuncture’s relaxing effect also contributes to stress reduction, making it a calming experience for the person being treated. You can recline calmly on a comfortable table with dim lighting and gentle music in the background after the needles are in the affected areas. This lowers blood pressure, slows your heart rate, and relaxes your muscles.