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Stress Management

What is stress?

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) defines stress as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them”. Pressure is part and parcel of all work and helps to keep us motivated. But excessive pressure can lead to stress which undermines performance, is costly to employers and can make people ill. HSE commissioned research has indicated that: about half a million people in the UK experience work-related stress at a level they believe is making them ill; up to 5 million people in the UK feel “very” or “extremely” stressed by their work; and work-related stress costs society about £3.7 billion every year (at 1995/6 prices).

Stress responses

are individual and begin when we perceive a challenging or threatening situation, so not all people will find the same set of conditions or circumstances stressful.  The body responds to stress immediately by activating the  sympathetic branch of the central nervous system (CNS) to produce stress hormones. These hormones cause specific bodily changes such as increased heart rate and metabolism and redirection of blood flow to large muscles; all to prime the body for action.
When the perceived threat is over, the body  returns to normal; stress hormones dissipate over time and are destroyed by other chemicals in the body. Also the parasympathetic branch of the CNS release hormones to calm and return the body to a normal state.

 

Symptoms of stress

  • Headaches
  • Skin irritations
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Ulcers
  • Indigestion
  • Muscle pain
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Burnout

Experiencing stress on a regular basis leads to burnout, which may manifest the following symptoms:

  • Trouble concentrating
  • Constant feeling of fatigue
  • Irritability / Bad Temper
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Restlessness (mental, physical, emotional)
  • Dizziness

Treatment

Acupuncture treats disorders caused by stress by unblocking stuck Qi allowing it to flow properly throughout the body. We feel more relaxed and food is digested smoothly moving through the bowels properly.  As tension is relieved, so are the headaches.  Instead of being tense and angry, we remain calm allowing blood pressure and tempers to stay even.