Dealing with Stress in Difficult Times

By David Scrimgeour, Licensed Acupuncturist, Boulder, Colorado

 

Long before modern science started exploring burnout, the Chinese had already spent centuries observing what happens in people’s lives under different forms of stress. They called it ya li, which means a force that presses down. The Chinese recognized that ya li came from difficult times, an economic downturn, overwork, lack of sleep, poor diet, illness or exposure to heat or cold for too long. It could also come from experiencing emotions such as grief, sadness and even excitement. These stresses, they noticed, led to fatigue, frequent illnesses, digestive upset, depression, and eventually, to chronic states of illness.

The ancient Chinese recognized that it was much easier to treat and prevent serious illness before it became deeply rooted. To this end, they observed a person’s life force (qi), as well as his/her energy levels, the pulses, the brilliance of the eyes, and corrected subtle imbalances using acupuncture and herbs long before the onset of chronic disease. Certainly during difficult times, many people experience more stress than usual. That’s why it’s important to be aware of these influences before they affect your health. When you have your health and vitality, you can do anything.

For most people during times of stress, I recommend several things: 1) acupuncture — because it can relax the body and bring it back into balance better than anything else; 2) an adaptogen herbal formula such as Supreme Immune Tonic to support the adrenals and the immune system; 3) extra sleep; 4) regular exercise — get out and feel the energy of nature; 5) breathe and meditate!

With acupuncture and Chinese medicine, people are able to deal with the stresses of life even in the most difficult times.

David Scrimgeour, L.Ac. Acupuncturist & Practitioner of Chinese Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, 303 413-9596, www.davidscrimgeour.com