Stress: less of it, more of life!

AcuLife

Feb 106 min read

Stress is a physiological and psychological response to external and internal pressures, affecting individuals globally. It is a critical factor in numerous medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and mental health issues. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), approximately 3.4 million Australians (about 1 in 6 people) report experiencing high levels of stress, with work-related stress being the most common form. Understanding stress from both a biomedical and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective allows for a holistic approach to its management.

The Science of Stress: Mechanisms and Pathophysiology

Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to the release of cortisol and other stress hormones. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) also plays a role, particularly the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which triggers the "fight or flight" response.

Acute stress response: Short-term stress increases heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose availability while suppressing non-essential functions like digestion and immune responses.
Chronic stress: Prolonged activation of the HPA axis leads to cortisol dysregulation, contributing to systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, impaired immunity, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Neurological effects: Chronic stress alters the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, affecting memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
Endocrine impact: Stress can disrupt thyroid function, sex hormones, and the gut-brain axis, leading to hormonal imbalances and digestive issues.

Types of Stress

1. Acute Stress

Short-term stress reaction to immediate threats.
Physiologically adaptive and beneficial in survival situations.

2. Chronic Stress

Persistent stress from ongoing challenges (e.g., work, relationships, finances).
Associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and psychiatric disorders.

3. Episodic Acute Stress

Recurrent bouts of acute stress, often seen in people with high-anxiety lifestyles.
Linked to hypertension and Type A personality traits.

4. Traumatic Stress

Occurs due to life-threatening or emotionally distressing events (e.g., PTSD).
Alters neural circuits, particularly the amygdala and hippocampus.

5. Oxidative Stress

Cellular stress caused by free radicals and an imbalance in antioxidant defense.
Contributes to neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.

Who Is Affected by Stress?

Stress affects all demographics, but some groups are more vulnerable:

Workforce: High-pressure jobs, shift workers, and frontline healthcare workers show elevated cortisol levels.
Women: Higher incidence of stress-related disorders, partially due to hormonal fluctuations (e.g., oestrogen-cortisol interaction).
Children and Adolescents: School pressures, social media, and parental expectations contribute to rising anxiety rates.
Elderly: Chronic health conditions and social isolation increase susceptibility to stress-related diseases.

How Stress can affect your body!

Stress has a profound physiological impact on the body, influencing multiple systems. Here’s how:

1. Nervous System: The Fight-or-Flight Response

Increases adrenaline and cortisol release, elevating heart rate and blood pressure.
Chronic activation can lead to autonomic dysfunction, contributing to conditions like anxiety, hypertension, and digestive disorders.

2. Hormonal: Diabetes, Weight Gain, Fatigue, Low Sex Drive

Cortisol overproduction leads to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Suppresses thyroid function, potentially causing hypothyroidism-like symptoms (fatigue, weight gain).
Disrupts reproductive hormones, contributing to irregular menstrual cycles, low libido, and infertility.

3. Cardiovascular System: Increased Strain on the Heart

Elevates blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes.
Causes endothelial dysfunction, impairing blood vessel dilation and circulation.

4. Immune System: Weakened Defense

Short-term stress boosts immunity, but chronic stress suppresses white blood cells, making the body more vulnerable to infections.
Increases inflammatory cytokines, contributing to autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, IBS).

5. Digestive System: Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction

Stress reduces stomach acid production, leading to indigestion, acid reflux, and bloating.
Alters gut microbiome balance, increasing the risk of IBS, leaky gut, and food intolerances.
Can lead to chronic constipation or diarrhea, often linked to Liver Qi stagnation in TCM.

6. Musculoskeletal System: Chronic Tension and Pain

Increases muscle tension, leading to neck pain, tension headaches, and TMJ disorders.
Chronic stress depletes magnesium and calcium, increasing the risk of muscle cramps and osteoporosis.

7. Respiratory System: Shallow Breathing and Hyperventilation

Triggers shallow breathing patterns, reducing oxygenation of tissues.
Increases the risk of asthma exacerbations and panic attacks.

8. Sleep Cycle: Insomnia and Fatigue

Elevated cortisol at night disrupts melatonin production, leading to difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Poor sleep quality contributes to chronic fatigue, brain fog, and reduced cognitive function.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective on Stress

Stress in TCM often results in poor flow of energy in the body that becomes obstructed. When energy does not flow freely, it can lead to further complications such as Blood stasis, internal Heat, or deficiencies in vital substances and nutrients.

1. Poor Flow of Energy

One of the most common responses to stress affecting the functions Liver.
The Liver is responsible for the smooth movement of blood and energy, and stabilising emotions. When stress disrupts this function, individuals experience irritability, frustration, tension, and digestive discomfort.
Over time, this can manifest as anger, headaches, high blood pressure, and disturbed sleep.

2. Emotional Tension

If stress is prolonged, it can lead to poor blood flow, meaning circulation becomes sluggish or blocked.
This is associated with chronic pain, migraines, cardiovascular problems, and even emotional numbness or depression.
This is why stress-related conditions often involve both physical tension (e.g., tight shoulders) and emotional stagnation.

3. Yin and Yang Imbalances

Yin Deficiency (more heat in the body): Chronic stress depletes Yin, which provides cooling and calming functions in the body. Yin deficiency symptoms include insomnia, night sweats, dry mouth, and anxiety.
Yang Deficiency (more cold in the body): Over time, stress can also deplete Yang, which provides warmth and energy. This results in fatigue, cold extremities, low motivation, and digestive sluggishness.

4. The Heart, Kidneys, and Spleen in Stress Regulation

Heart Imbalances: anxiety, palpitations, and sleep disorders.
Kidney Issues and excessive stress: adrenal fatigue, reproductive issues, and low stamina.
Spleen Disorders: bloating, poor appetite, and loose stools.

How Acupuncture Helps with Stress

Acupuncture works by restoring the smooth flow of energy and Blood, balancingg Yin and Yang, and calming the mind. It directly influences the nervous system by activating the parasympathetic response, helping to shift the body out of a chronic stress state.

Regulates the HPA Axis: Acupuncture reduces the overactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, lowering cortisol and adrenaline levels, which are responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response.
Balances Neurotransmitters: It enhances the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which promote relaxation and emotional well-being.
Improves Circulation and Oxygenation: Ensures the smooth movement of energy, reducing muscle tension and improving cognitive function.
Restores Organ Harmony: Acupuncture strengthens the Liver, Spleen, Kidneys, and Heart, ensuring they function optimally despite external stressors.
Grounding Effects: Simply lying on the acupuncture bed with needles in place for 20-25 minutes induces a grounding effect. Many patients experience deep relaxation, enjoy the binaural frequencies of the music, and often drift into a restful sleep, allowing them to recharge and unwind.

The Role of Herbal Medicine in Stress Management

In TCM, herbal formulas are tailored to the individual’s specific imbalances rather than treating stress as a singular condition. The primary goals of herbal medicine in stress management include:

Calming the Mind – Herbs that nourish the Heart and settle the mind help reduce restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Regulate the Liver – Herbs that move blocked energy help alleviate irritability, tension, and digestive symptoms caused by stress.
Invigorate Blood – Long-term stress depletes leads to fatigue, dry skin, and insomnia. Herbs in this category restore moisture and nourishment to the body.
Strengthening the Spleen and Digestion – Chronic stress weakens digestion, leading to bloating and low energy, improving nutrient absorption and gut health.
Supporting Kidney Health – Restore endurance, hormonal balance, and reproductive health.

Integrating TCM into a Stress-Relief Plan

A holistic approach to stress in TCM goes beyond just acupuncture and herbs. Lifestyle changes that align with TCM principles enhance treatment outcomes:

Dietary Therapy: Eating warm, nourishing foods supports digestion and gut health.
Mindfulness & Qi Gong: Breath-work, meditation, and movement exercises enhance energy circulation.
Sleep Hygiene: Following the body’s natural circadian rhythm helps restore balance.

By addressing stress at its root, TCM provides a long-term, sustainable approach to stress management rather than just symptom relief.

Conclusion

Stress is an unavoidable aspect of modern life, but its management is crucial to long-term health. An integrative approach that combines biomedical, lifestyle, and TCM strategies provides the best outcomes for stress reduction and resilience-building. By understanding stress from multiple perspectives, we can empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being. For stress management, call us to schedule in an initial consultation and we can share how we can help you.

To learn what we can do for you, Contact our team today👇