Stress – Lucas Acupuncture

Four ways that acupuncture can help relieve holiday stress

Martha Lucas — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:09:37 +0000

As we embrace the festive season with open arms, I find myself pondering the paradox that encapsulates the holidays— a delightful mix of joy and, at times, a hint of stress. This contemplation inspired me to pen a haiku, encapsulating the essence of the season:

“It has all started… the sounds of the holidays. Joyful or stressful?”

I shared this on my Facebook page, sparking a lively discussion. Many resonated with the sentiments, expressing a resounding “both.” It’s an acknowledgment that the holiday season, while often brimming with joy, can also bring about its fair share of stress. So, why the juxtaposition of “holidays” and “stress” in the same breath? Because, as we all know, it’s a nuanced journey—one that sometimes leads to merriment and, on occasion, to moments of overwhelm.

But fret not, for support is at hand for those navigating the delicate balance. In the spirit of aiding you through the whirlwind of the holidays, I’d like to shed light on four ways acupuncture can be a beacon of relief in times of stress:

1. Pain and Tension Relief:

Acupuncture works wonders in alleviating pain and muscle tension, especially those neck aches from prolonged screen time. By reducing inflammation and enhancing circulation, it brings a sense of ease to the body.

2. Stress and Anxiety Reduction:

Experience the calming embrace of acupuncture, which acts as a balm for stress and anxiety. The session is not just a physical reprieve but a holistic journey to tranquility.

3. Improved Sleep Quality:

Quality sleep is a precious commodity during busy holiday times. Acupuncture can contribute to a restful night, leaving you energized and ready to take on the day.

4. Enhanced Digestion:

The connection between stress and digestion is undeniable. Acupuncture steps in to regulate the nervous system, fostering a calm environment that promotes better digestion.

As we navigate the holiday hustle, consider booking an acupuncture session to ensure your well-being remains a priority. If you find yourself in need of support or a moment of reprieve, don’t hesitate to make an appointment [insert appointment link].

Wishing you a season filled with both joy and tranquility,

Self-care during the holiday season. It’s not selfish … it’s SELF LOVE!

Martha Lucas — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 18:22:29 +0000

Self-care during the holidays is essential to ensure that you can truly enjoy the festive season and maintain your physical and mental well-being. The holiday season can be a hectic and often stressful time with various obligations, such as shopping, cooking, and social gatherings. Here are some key ways to prioritize self-care during this busy period.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to manage your time and set boundaries. This means creating a realistic schedule and not overcommitting to social events and activities. Learning to say no when necessary can alleviate some pressure and allow you to focus on what truly matters. In this YouTube video, I talk about using your imagination to reduce stress.

2. Gratitude helps you fall in love with the life you already have. Taking even a minute to think about a thing or two for which you are grateful, can change your perspective and mood.

3. Incorporate mindfulness or some relaxation technique into your day. The holiday season can come with heightened stress so taking a few moments for even a few deep breaths, can help you stay centered and calm. Here is a minute of relaxation for you!

4. It’s also important to get enough sleep. Rest is crucial for your physical and mental health, and it will give you the energy to tackle holiday tasks. My SLEEP essential oil blend can help you there.

5. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying active can be challenging during the holidays, but it’s essential to look after your body. Try to balance indulgent treats with nutritious meals and find ways to stay active, even if it’s just going for a brisk walk with a loved one. Here is a printable guide to Chinese medicine food therapy. Call me if you would like a little more information about it; 303-947-6224.

6. Connecting with loved ones is a significant aspect of self-care. Spend quality time with family and friends, but also carve out some time for yourself. This could be reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy. Put my CALM essential oil blend in your bath for an extra treat or soak your feet in a warm bowl of water using it.

7. Finally, don’t forget to seek support if needed. The holiday season can be difficult for those dealing with stress, anxiety, or loneliness. I treat emotional stress so please reach out to me if you’re struggling and remember that it’s okay to ask for help.

REMEMBER, by prioritizing self-care during the holidays, you can reduce stress, enhance your overall well-being, and truly savor the joy of the season. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s an essential component of a happy and healthy holiday season.

Stay wonderful!

Dr. Martha

Stress and Our Immune System

Martha Lucas — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 21:06:24 +0000

Stress and Our Immune System

12 APRIL 2022

When our immune systems can’t control inflammation, our bodies suffer organ and tissue damage. Research* demonstrates that social stress can weaken the immune system. So how important is it to read the influence of emotions or social stress in the pulses? It’s important, and it’s important to read the depth of the emotional influence because that will help you determine the chronicity of the stress and its effect.

There was a socially stressed group and a physically stressed group. Both groups were exposed to an infectious bacteria. The socially stressed group was twice as likely to die as was the physically stressed group. The social stress triggered an abnormal immune response to the bacterial toxin. It triggered an over-response of LPS (lipopolysaccharide) that stimulates immune cells. In the mice, too much LPS caused the over-production of pro-inflammatory hormones (cytokines). This sudden increase in cytokines caused the mice to go into toxic shock. The physically stressed mice didn’t have the same level of inflammation so didn’t go into toxic shock.

Cytokines are important cells to help the body kill bacteria. However, an over production of them that happens too quickly, can lead to toxic shock. Within 48 hours of exposure to the bacteria, 75% of the socially stressed mice had developed toxic shock and died; only 35% of the physically stressed mice suffered the same fate.

Autopsies showed that all of the mice had some inflammation in their spleens but the socially stressed group had damage from inflammation in other vital organs (brain, lungs, liver, spleen). The researchers concluded that the immune systems of the socially stressed mice had become resistant to their body’s anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In other words, their body couldn’t fight off inflammation despite the fact that their bodies were producing the proper hormones (glucocorticoids). The unchecked inflammation led to organ damage.

Like all of our body’s systems, there is a balancing act when the immune system is called into action. You want inflammatory cells to kill an infection at the source but don’t want too many to go there. And social stress isn’t necessarily worse than physical stress but it is for some people. People with major depression and those infected with HIV have glucocorticoid resistance that, potentially, was caused by chronic social stress. While glucocorticoids are used to treat patients with inflammatory diseases like asthma, RA, and leukemia, patients who are resistant to those hormones don’t respond to treatment.

The conclusion is that social stress can damage the immune system which may negatively affect organs and lead to illness. Stress affects everyone but not in the same manner; some people are more susceptible to it. For Chinese medicine practitioners, it is important to be able to feel the effects of social stress in the pulses so that we can determine the extent to which organ damage may occur. When emotional stress is felt at the adaptive level (deep) in the pulses, it is an indication of chronicity. It gives us the opportunity to explain to patients the importance of controlling social stress, of changing our reaction to it, and of acupuncture for restructuring their body’s response to stressors.

*John Sheridan, Journal of Neuroimmunology

Tags: anxiety, gut, immune system, nerves, physical stress, social stress, stress