Acupuncture for Stress (or, My Acupuncturist says I have Liver Qi Stagnation! What the Heck is That?”)

Acupuncture is an amazing tool to treat stress. In fact, Chinese medicine has recognized stress as a medical condition for thousands of years.

They call stress “liver qi stagnation”.

Chinese medicine looks at health as the free flow of qi, or vital energy, throughout the meridians in our body.

In Chinese medicine, each major organ is assigned a role. The liver is the general (like a general in an army), and the general tells the qi where to go in the body. When we’re healthy and happy, our qi flows freely throughout our body, directed by the general.

However, when we are under stress it impairs the liver’s ability to function, so qi is no longer properly directed to flow throughout the body. Instead it stays stuck, or stagnant. Now we have liver qi stagnation.

Liver qi stagnation causes a lot of symptoms including

• Digestive issues

• Heat (inflammation)

• Rebellious qi (stomach upset, shallow breathing, rapid heartbeat)

• Insomnia

• Pain

Acupuncture needles are used to encourage stagnant qi to flow freely and promote digestive function. Acupuncture treatments are often combined with Chinese herbal therapies and with diet and lifestyle treatments to provide a comprehensive and individualized treatment specific to the patient. Expect a series of treatments close together initially (anywhere between 6 to 12) and a long term maintenance plan following that to continue to help you manage the health effects of stress.

Want to try acupuncture to reduce stress? Call us at Sanos Wellness to schedule your acupuncture in Prescott, or simply head here to book now.