NEWS RELEASE

Alternative Ways to Beating Holiday Stress

According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans take medication for stress related causes each week. When the holidays approach, individuals already predisposed to stress can find themselves feeling depressed, anxious and more stressed out than usual. And even folks who normally do not experience the effects of stress may succumb to its effects during this especially hectic season. Kids, older parents, out-of-towners, cleaning, cooking, shopping…all act to detract from the peace and joy the season celebrates.

To help alleviate holiday stress and depression, more and more Americans are turning to age-old holistic modalities such as Chinese medicine. “Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture, massage and herbal medicine, is a very popular way to help individuals relax and re-energize. It can help with conditions such as anxiousness, depression, insomnia, tense muscles, headaches and pain; all things many of us experience during the holidays”, said licensed acupuncturist and American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic dean John Kolenda.

According to Kolenda, many patients report an enhanced sense of well- being and a deep feeling of relaxation after an acupuncture or massage treatment. These modalities alleviate stress symptoms by releasing endorphins, the body’s own natural painkillers, and improving the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids which bring fresh oxygen to body tissues. This increased oxygen flow eliminates waste products from inside the body and enhances recovery from diseases. Acupuncture and massage also decrease the stress hormone cortisol, lower blood pressure, reduce the heart rate, and relax muscle tissue. “One of the reasons acupuncture and massage are so popular is because they provide health benefits that are also free of side effects when performed by a licensed professional”, Kolenda said.

According to Chinese medical practitioners, Qi (or energy) is conducted between the surface of the body and internal organs along pathways called Meridians. It is Qi that regulates spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance. When the flow of Qi is disrupted through stress, poor health habits or other circumstances, disease can result. Acupuncture helps keep the flow of this energy unblocked and release endorphins in the brain, thereby helping to maintain a person’s health.

The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) states that one out of every 10 adults in the United States has tried acupuncture, which has been cited by the World Health Organization to treat over 43 conditions. And, according to the American Massage Therapy Association, 28 percent of adults report having a massage from a massage therapist in the past five years, spending a total of between $4 and $6 billion on 114 million visits each year.

American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a non-profit institution, has provided affordable, quality health care to the public and trained professionals in acupuncture and Chinese medicine since 1980. ACTCM has been the recipient of many awards for its curriculum, faculty and clinic, and has been voted “Best of the Bay” by both the San Francisco Weekly and the San Francisco Bay Guardian.

For more information on how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help those suffering from stress and depression, please call American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at (415) 282-9603.