06 Mar Dissolve Stress With These 5 Time Tested Modalities
Many of us can relate to the fact that stress is reaching epidemic proportions in modern society.
Balancing family, work, health, money, etc. is a challenge and many of us feel ill equipped to juggle it all. 80% of the doctor visits in our country are related to stress. Our quality of life and health is largely determined by how we adapt and relate to daily stressors. Excessive stress not only takes its toll on our bodies, but strips the joy out of life and suppresses our creative instincts. Without physical health, joy, and creativity, life is challenging and scarcely worth living.
Dissolving your stress is possible, but takes a commitment to making lifestyle choices that create balance throughout our lives. Here are a few ancient techniques for eliminating stress, increasing energy, and creating emotional balance.
These are some of the most powerful tools we have for achieving optimal health and preventing future disease.
1) Acupuncture: One of the pillars of traditional Chinese medicine is acupuncture. It has been practiced for at least 5,000 years and is perhaps one of the last truly holistic forms of healthcare remaining on the planet. Acupuncture works with the Qi (life force ) of the body in order to induce a variety of therapeutic effects. The safety and efficacy of this practice are well documented which accounts for its incredible surge in popularity in the Western world. Acupuncture is considered one of the most powerful treatment options for stress reduction. Only seek acupuncture treatment from licensed acupuncturists (as opposed to Physical Therapist, MD’s or Chiropractors who practice acupuncture).
2) Meditation: Many cultures have been practicing meditation for thousands of years and has long been recognized as one of the most powerful tools we have for cultivating peace of mind and balance. Numerous studies have proven the incredibly positive effect that meditation has on our body and in particular, reduction of stress. There are hundreds of techniques to meditation taught around the world. For beginners, the most helpful approach is to start with basic mindfulness techniques that develop both relaxation and alertness. Once a basic foundation of awareness has been established, then more advanced meditation practices can be explored. Meditation is a practice that helps is identify with stillness and silence. It cultivates intuition and surrender. It can deeply help anybody, but is truly a miraculous practice for reducing stress and anxiety.
3) Movement specifically Yoga: Another ancient practice, yoga, has also been utilized by millions of people throughout history. Yoga is considered a form of meditation that involves stretching and moving the body into a variety of poses in combination with deep breathing to induce increased energy, physical strength and flexibility, and mental clarity. Clinical studies have repeatedly documented the healing benefits of yoga. There are many forms of yoga and it is best to experiment to determine which form feels the most helpful for your needs. I highly recommend yin yoga and hatha or combining yoga with sitting meditation, as they work synergistically to induce deep states of relaxation.
4) Nutrition: The foods you eat can go a long way towards healing stress, imparticular, eating a diet high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and low glycemic carbohydrates. The standard American diet (high in processed foods, saturated fat, sugar, and transfats) has been linked to anxiety, depression, and increased stress in numerous studies. Eating an organic, whole foods diet will affect both your body and mind and will reward you beyond measure. Poor adaptability to stress is often a sign that our brains are starving for nutrients that we aren’t getting from our standard American diets.
5) Herbal medicine: Chinese and Western herbal have been clinically proven to reduce stress and create emotional balance. Herbs are much less concentrated than pharmaceuticals, which is why they have far less side effects (but can still be as effective). If you are interested in this treatment option, many acupuncturists can skillfully prescribe herbal formulas. I recommend this over buying herbs over the counter without knowledge of their intended usage.
Making lifestyle changes may be challenging in the initial phases and it is often helpful to seek out the support of a health care practitioner to assist you through these transitions. Once you start feeling the enormous payoff of making the changes, there truly is no turning back. Your stress will dissolve, your weight will decrease, and your energy will skyrocket, not to mention the preventative measures you are taking for heart health.