Over 6 million adults in the US alone suffer from a generalized anxiety disorder. Stress and anxiety have only increased in the past few years, contributing to higher levels of burnout. All of these can bring about exhaustion, low motivation, and negative feelings but can cause more dangerous symptoms if left unmanaged.
Recognizing the signs of stress and burnout can help you lower the impact and feel better. Multiple treatment options are available if you feel run down, less motivated, and more anxious. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers several strategies to lower stress and anxiety, including herbal formulas and acupuncture. TCM focuses on finding a balance between the body and mind to help you reduce and manage stress more effectively.
Signs And Symptoms of Stress
Stress is normal, but it can lead to various negative physical and mental health symptoms when it becomes chronic. Today, self-care is often suggested as a solution to all stressors. But taking a bath or a power nap isn’t a long-term solution for burnout. Even previously enjoyed activities can seem stressful when these feelings are left untreated.
Stress can manifest in the body as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. It contributes to digestive issues, such as stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Mental and emotional symptoms of stress include anxiety, depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Individuals may also experience feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, noting behavioral changes in activity levels and withdrawal from social situations.
Stress and anxiety can also lead to changes in the body’s systems, such as elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and glucose levels. It is important to note that stress can manifest differently in different individuals. The way your body responds to stress is unique to you.
Chinese Herbs to Lower Stress
When taking herbs to help with stress, anxiety, and burnout, consider how your body responds to these and your general symptoms. Stress impacts people differently, so it’s best to develop an individual treatment plan based on your symptoms. You may need to try a few formulas to find what works with your body.
Xiao Yao San is a formula often used to help with burnout. Stress can contribute to higher levels of cortisol, which has been connected to liver damage. Xiao Yao San works to soothe the liver and enables the body to regain balance and proper functionality.
Ho Shou Wu is another excellent option to improve your health and bounce back from stress. It improves stamina and overall balance in the body and is also used to support healthy cholesterol levels and strengthen the heart.
Other herbs that may benefit the body when stressed include ginseng and Dong Quai. Both help to increase blood flow and circulation and improve overall health.
Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety
Acupuncture is a key practice in TCM and has been shown to benefit individuals dealing with stress and anxiety. When the fine needles are inserted into the acupoints around the body, they can free up blocked areas while stimulating the healing process and blood flow.
Acupuncture can help regulate the body’s stress response by promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and by reducing the levels of stress hormones like cortisol. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
In addition, acupuncture can improve sleep, which is often disrupted in individuals experiencing stress and burnout. This is because acupuncture helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, promoting deep and restful sleep.
Additional Tools
Learning to reduce and manage stress can help you lead a healthier life. Techniques like Tai Chi, meditation, and yoga can increase feelings of balance and peace while moving through the world. They also help you maintain better physical health. Exercise through Tai Chi and other similar tools promotes movement and contributes to a healthy mind and body.
A healthy diet also reduces stress and anxiety and allows TCM to work more effectively. Everything you eat impacts qi energy, which is centered in the stomach. Eating well benefits the immune system and energy levels, improving mood and preventing stress.
Lower Stress and Anxiety, Higher Health
The human body is incredibly complex, and while stress doesn’t always manifest in physical ways, it can have dire consequences if left unchecked. A more balanced body using TCM can help you feel and work better. Stress and anxiety can build up over time, leading to burnout and more serious symptoms. Addressing the feelings right away can prevent health complications later.
Don’t let burnout get the better of you. Start by finding the right ways to balance your life and your body today. KPC’s herbal formulas are of the highest standard and offer many benefits. Our herbs are available to licensed acupuncturists and can be acquired through trained practitioners who can properly diagnose how to help your body rest and heal.
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*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
