Understanding Grief And Its Effects On The Body
Grief can be an intensely personal, emotionally draining experience that manifests both physical and psychological symptoms in altered forms. While no single method for recovering from grief exists, alternative therapies like acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer support during the grieving process.
How Acupuncture Supports The Grieving Process
Acupuncture can stimulate endorphin release. Our natural endorphins are the feel-good hormones that can reduce pain and improve mood.
By targeting specific points during the grieving process, acupuncture therapy can provide additional support and reduce stress significantly while improving emotional balance during this trying time.
Key Benefits Of Acupuncture For Grief Recovery
Emotional Release
Acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system. This happens by releasing our feel-good chemicals (endorphins) and improving blood flow.
Calms the nervous system
Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which helps the body relax and recover from stress. “Fight or flight” mode which can cause ++ muscle tension (sympathetic nervous system response which makes us hyperaware of pain) is reduced by activating its antagonist the PNS.
Acupuncture deactivates the “analytical” brain, which is responsible for anxiety and worry.
Releases feel-good chemicals (ENDORPHINS)
- Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural production of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.
- These chemicals are known as feel-good chemicals which help reduce feelings of distress and lessen the body’s stress response.
Reducing Physical Symptoms Of Grief
- Acupuncture can help relieve physical symptoms of stress such as headaches or back pain.
- Acupuncture can help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia caused by stress.
- Acupuncture improves blood flow throughout the body, which supports better oxygenation of tissues and overall energy levels.
Improving Energy Flow
Acupuncture can help balance the “qi” which is what Acupuncturists call “energy flow” in the body. When your “chi” (or “qi” in Chinese) is blocked, it is believed to manifest as physical and emotional discomfort, potentially including feelings of sluggishness, stiffness pain, fatigue, irritability, digestive issues (typically constipation), and difficulty concentrating, depending on where the blockage occurs in the body’s energy pathways (meridians) according to traditional Chinese medicine.
Blocked qi symptoms can vary:
The specific symptoms depend on the location (meridian affected) by the blockage, but may include headaches, muscle aches, shortness of breath, menstrual irregularities, mood swings, and a general feeling of being “out of sorts or off”.
Causes of blockage:
Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, emotional trauma (conscious or not), injuries, and poor lifestyle habits can all contribute to chi blockages.
Traditional treatments:
Practices like acupuncture, acupressure, qigong (a Chinese practice that combines movement, breathing, and meditation to improve health and well-being), tai chi, and deep breathing exercises are often used to help unblock chi and restore its flow throughout the body.
What To Expect From An Acupuncture Session For Grief
Stress reductions and emotional regularity:
Acupuncture for grief can stimulate endorphin release. Our natural endorphins are the feel-good hormones that can reduce pain and improve mood.
By targeting specific points during the grieving process, acupuncture therapy could provide additional support and reduce stress significantly while providing emotional balance during this trying time. Some key points could include:
Physical symptom relief:
The acupuncture point Yin tang is positioned between one’s eyebrows, this point can help calm one’s mind and promote emotional balance. Heart 7 When placed on one’s wrists may help relieve anxiety while encouraging relaxation.
Grief can manifest in physical symptoms as headaches, digestive issues and insomnia; Acupuncture provides physical comfort by targeting specific points to provide comfort in these affected areas. Two key points which provide physical comfort during grieving are as follows:
Pericardium 6, is situated on the inner forearm, this point can help relieve nausea, anxiety and insomnia associated with grief. Stomach 36, is for boosting energy levels while alleviating digestive problems and relieving fatigue, this point lies at the lower leg level and may offer significant relief from those feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.
Integrating Acupuncture Into Your Grief Journey
Acupuncture offers invaluable support for those dealing with grief. Acupuncture has long been used as an effective way of relieving stress levels, cultivating emotional equilibrium and treating physical symptoms. It has been utilized for many years to alleviate symptoms associated with grief-induced trauma.
By combining acupuncture in Winnipeg with comprehensive grief support, individuals may find a more holistic approach to healing and navigating the challenging journey of grief.
Why Choose Fit4Life For Acupuncture In Winnipeg
To receive acupuncture for grief, contact Fit4Life Physiotherapy today. We can help you feel better.