Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Dr. Brandon Fuller
If we weren’t suffering from Covid before, we sure are now. As if the virus itself didn’t wreak enough havoc on society, the stress and anxiety that it produced has stuck with us long after the masks have come off. In fact, studies show that following the pandemic, anxiety disorders have become the number one cause of mental illness in America, affecting more than 40 million adults in the US every year.
The Effect of Anxiety on the Heart
When someone is anxious or stressed, their body reacts in ways that can put an extra strain on their heart. The physical symptoms of anxiety can be especially damaging among individuals with existing cardiac disease.
Anxiety may have an association with the following heart disorders and cardiac risk factors:
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) – In serious cases, can interfere with normal heart function and increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
• Increased blood pressure – If chronic, can lead to coronary disease, weakening of the heart muscle, and heart failure.
• Decreased heart rate variability – May result in higher incidence of death after an acute heart attack.
What can acupuncture do to relieve stress and anxiety, therefore improving my heart health?
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for centuries. It is based on the belief that there are energy pathways throughout the body that become blocked when someone is ill. By placing needles at specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe they can unblock the flow of energy and restore balance to the body.
Acupuncture for stress and anxiety is a safe, effective treatment that can help you manage your symptoms. The treatment stimulates the release of endorphins, which are hormones that help to reduce stress and promote feelings of well-being.
Acupuncture acts like physical therapy for the nervous system. The tiny needles retrain the nervous system and the brain, balancing cortisol levels and retraining the nervous system to only release cortisol in true “flight or fight” scenarios rather than maintaining chronic high levels of cortisol that are seen in patients with anxiety and stress.
Acupuncture is also an excellent way to prevent stress and anxiety from occurring in the first place because it:
• Helps to regulate the nervous system.
• Releases endorphins, which have a calming effect on the body.
• Has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, which are often elevated in people who are stressed or anxious.
• Brings improvement in the digestive system
• Can help to improve sleep quality, which is often impaired in people who are dealing with stress or anxiety.
• Promotes a sense of well-being and relaxation.
Therefore, a course of acupuncture treatments can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve overall well-being, as well as reducing the effects of stress on your heart. If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to treat stress and anxiety, acupuncture may be right for you. This form of treatment can provide significant relief from symptoms and help patients manage their condition better.
Absolute Acupuncture & Stress Relief is located in Sarasota, FL. We are licensed acupuncturists with experience treating the root cause(s) of your stress. Go online or all today to schedule your appointment today. Call 941-500-2767!
Dr. Brandon Fuller has a passion for helping others in need. He believes the best care for his patients is an integrative medical approach in which the implementation of patient-centered care is essential. Healing is accomplished while incorporating the best of modern and holistic medicines help to mend almost any problem. Using a personalized approach to healthcare by combining therapies as needed will assist with disease prevention and elimination of stress and pain, which is where he excels. By understanding an individual’s specific needs for achieving mental and physical balance, a real recovery may occur.
A Florida licensed and board-certified acupuncture physician, he holds a Clinical Doctorate in pain management and the associated psychological issues with pain from AOMA college of integrated medicine. Having over 16 years of experience in clinical settings, he often shares his expertise with patients and practitioners throughout the United States and Canada.
He is now working on his certificate in FACS (Facial Action Coding System). He plans to continue his knowledge in the medical aspects of psychology and pain management. Dr. Fuller enjoys helping those in the community, educating on a healthier lifestyle, and how it can be achieved at an affordable price.
Visit: absolute-acupuncture.com
