Acupuncture for Psychosomatic Symtomps
Psychosomatic! What does it mean?
In medicine and psychology, the term "psychosomatic" refers to physical illnesses or symptoms that are caused by or significantly influenced by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or emotional distress. This concept highlights the strong connection between mental and physical health.
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The Symptoms Are Real: A common misconception is that psychosomatic illnesses are "all in your head" or that individuals are faking their symptoms. This is incorrect. The physical symptoms, such as pain, rashes, high blood pressure, or digestive issues, are real and can be objectively measured.
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Psychological Factors Cause or Worsen Physical Conditions: Psychological stress or emotional states can trigger real physiological changes in the body. For example, stress can activate the "fight-or-flight" response, increase stress hormones, or cause inflammation, leading to physical symptoms or exacerbating existing conditions such as tension headaches/migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), High blood pressure or skin conditions. ​Understanding the psychosomatic relationship can help in managing both mental and physical health effectively
Acupuncture for psychosomatic suffering! How does it work?
​Traditional East Asian Medicine views the mind and body as interconnected. Physical symptoms and signs serve as communication from our body, indicating an imbalance within our system, which may stem from emotional, psychological, or spiritual disharmony. When we experience stress, we are meant to take a pause and recenter ourselves. However, if we ignore these signs, our body may remind us through pain or suffering, such as migraine headaches. Another example is when we feel heartbroken due to unfulfilled dreams or emotional hurts, our shoulder and neck muscles may tense up as a protective response for our heart and spirit. Acupuncture, which involves inserting needles at specific points, can help strengthen our heart and spirit, thus easing these tensions.
How long will it take to see relief?
The experience of patients can vary based on their signs and symptoms, but many often notice a difference after their first treatment. The initial treatment plan typically involves one week of therapy over the first four weeks, followed by a reevaluation to determine the next steps. Significant healing usually becomes evident after three cycles of treatment, which spans about three months.
Patients frequently wonder why this approach takes longer compared to other acupuncture treatments. The reason lies in the roots of ancient medicine, which is closely aligned with the natural rhythms of the seasons. Since the seasons change approximately every three months, our bodies also follow a similar cycle, which is why a three-month treatment period is often necessary for effective healing. This concept has been validated by numerous skilled practitioners and healers throughout history.
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