The stress response, also known as the “fight or flight” response, is our body’s way of reacting to threatening, or unpleasant situations. During these times the body releases hormones from the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, which is known as the HPA axis. Some of these hormones include Cortisol and Adrenalin.  The stress response is a normal physical reaction to these endangering events however, the hormones were meant to be released for only short periods of time. Unfortunately for most people, stress is a long and chronic issue. According to the American Psychological Association, it is reported that 25% of Americans are experiencing high levels of stress, and 50% are experiencing moderate levels of stress. The long term activation of your stress response system and the subsequent overexposure to adrenaline and cortisol can lead to some major health issues. Some stress-induced health problems that can occur include, heart disease, weight gain, digestive problems, sleep disorders, and depression.

Did you know that acupuncture has been shown to help people manage their stress? Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that has been utilized for thousands of years. Acupuncture is a natural alternative therapy that involves the insertion of sterile, thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been hypothesized for years that acupuncture can help lower stress levels, but no study showing the biological proof has been performed until now. According to a study that was published in the Journal of Endocrinology showed acupuncture helped lower the hormones that are responsible for our stress response. Dr. Eshkevari, who headed the study stated, “Our growing body of evidence points to acupuncture’s protective effect against the stress response”.  To find out more about acupuncture, and if it can help you call  Natural Health Chiropractic and Acupuncture at 480-815-8663.