In my first year of school I was a total stress case.  I felt electrically charged, like a highly caffeinated live wire.  My chest was constricted and deep breathing was nearly impossible.  I was irritable and sighed constantly.  The knot in my stomach stole my appetite and prevented me from eating more than a few bites of food in one sitting.  The pit in my throat was a major annoyance.  My energy was erratic, probably due to the lack of sleep I was getting.  My mind raced and finally after drifting off to sleep, disturbing vivid dreams frequently woke me.  I was miserable!  This is a classic case of liver Qi stagnation, a.k.a. stress.  When the Qi gets blocked, like it did in my case, you may have any number of physical or mental symptoms.  Other symptoms of stress include headaches, especially behind the eyes and temples, fullness in the ribs or abdomen, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and PMS in women.  In addition, you may have digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and gas and bloating.  

Most of us operate daily with some degree of liver Qi stagnation.  When we ignore it, we face the possibility of it morphing into “liver fire”.  Here you’ll notice a volatile temper, pounding headaches at the top of the head, temples or eyes, red eyes and face, and increased blood pressure.  At this stage, this excessive fire in the body is looking for a way out.  It easily disturbs other systems like the heart, stomach and lungs, which can lead to a variety of other miserable and harmful symptoms. 

When Qi is flowing smoothly throughout the body we feel great.  Our energy and emotions are stable, the systems in our body are working without a hitch, we are creative, clear and productive, and we feel and look well rested.  

When was the last time you felt like this?  Is there a single activity that allows you to feel this way if even just for a moment?  I feel this way when I dance.  It gives a good cardio workout, it’s social, allows me to express my creativity, and it releases endorphins (feel-good chemicals).  There are many other things you can do such as create music, draw or paint, yoga, get out in nature, read a book, take a bath, meditate, cook, receive acupuncture… whatever it is that gives you a release and brings you back to who are and who you want to be.  Many of us are so busy we forget to take care of ourselves and upon a little self-reflection, have forgotten who we are.  

I love using acupuncture for stress.  It forces us to take an hour of our day to relax and be taken care of.  Most people would benefit from one treatment per week while more difficult cases may need two or may be given an herbal prescription in addition.  Most people find increased mental clarity and productivity, increased energy, more stable moods, less headaches and body discomfort, and improved digestion.