How to deal with stress naturally

Stress is perhaps the most common issue we see at our Washington DC acupuncture clinic. Not only is acupuncture amazing for stress, but we also help our clients deal with stress on multiple fronts, both on and off the acupuncture table. Read on to find out how.

Common causes of stress

1. Let’s be real – stress can be caused by just about anything 🙂
2. But if we were to elaborate on the most common causes:
3. Dating and relationship issues
4. Communication and interpersonal issues – with significant others, family, kids, friends, bosses, colleagues, etc, etc.
5. Money issues
6. Career and work issues
7. Overwork
8. Over-scheduling
9. Trauma, grief, and PTSD
10. Health issues
11. Lack of exercise
12. Being an introvert in an extrovert’s world
13. And, the list goes on…

How we address stress holistically

Identify the cause of your stress

We do so mainly by asking questions centered around the points listed above. Also, what makes it better and worse, what you’ve tried already, and any diagnoses you’ve gotten from your doctor or other practitioners.

Identify how and where the stress manifests in your body

This is essential for helping us select your acupuncture points.

Diagnose your condition from a Chinese Medicine perspective

This will help us discover key factors that may be playing a role in your condition.

Create a customized treatment plan for your stress

Based on the information from your new patient appointment, we will construct a treatment plan that is customized to your specific needs. One of the things we’re passionate about here at Transformational Acupuncture is helping you identify and address the root causes of your stress, in addition to alleviating the stress itself. This will give you the best chance of long-term, sustainable relief.

Here are the main strategies we suggest for a holistic approach to treating stress

1. Acupuncture (here is an in-depth article on how acupuncture works to heal stress)
2. Cupping, Cranialsacral Therapy, Reflexology, and Medical Qigong
3. A customized Chinese Herbal Medicine formula
4. Regular exercise and stretching
5. A month of “clean eating” (like the Whole 30)
6. MELT Method
7. Mindfulness meditation and qigong exercises
8. Breathing exercises
9. Proper hydration
10. Reduction of alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco use, when appropriate
11. Stress management techniques such as The Work of Byron Katie
12. Time in nature (our favorite tension-free zone)
13. Declutter and beautify home and workspaces
14. Sleep more / more down time
15. Take time off
16. Reflection on life goals in career, relationship and other categories, how to achieve them, and what might be standing in the way.
17. And the list goes on…

Many of these approaches are offered as part of our:

• Acupuncture sessions
• Herbal Medicine Consults

Some of these are things we’ll suggest you do at home. And when needed, we will collaborate with other practitioners and specialists to enhance your care.

Schedule a consult or a first-time appointment

If you’d like to further discuss how we could help you, we encourage you to schedule session with one of our practitioners. If you’d like to schedule a first-time appointment, you can also do so on our online scheduling page or give us a call at (202) 297-7404

More on dealing with stress

• How acupuncture works for stress, anxiety and depression (the physiology)
• Calming herbs for stress
• How meditation can help you reduce stress by taking the “problematic-ness” out of your problems

Any questions?

Please contact us.

About the Author

Jeremy Riesenfeld, L.AC., M.AC.

Jeremy was the founder of Transformational Acupuncture. He has a passion for helping people transform their lives and health in ways that are safe, gentle, and sustainable. Since 2004, he has successfully helped clients with a wide variety of emotional, mental, and physical health complaints.