Acupuncture For Managing Stress In Current Covid19 Situation

We live in a stressful world! And, with the announcement of the global pandemic, our stress and anxiety levels have shot up phenomenally. Whether it is the physical stress of staying indoors and working over the laptops for long hours or it is the emotional impact of Novel Coronavirus, our physical, mental and emotional health are getting seriously affected.

To maintain our immunity levels and boost our general well-being, we must do everything in our hands. And, the practice of acupuncture can help you in leading a happy and healthy life. The ancient TCM methodology of acupuncture includes the insertion of tiny needles in the body to improve the energy flow and maintain its equilibrium.

How can Acupuncture help in the Stressful Times of COVID-19?

1. Reduction in Stress and Anxiety Levels

American job recovery is riddled with obstacles, as the number of people filing for first-time unemployment benefits remains high. According to the Labor Department, another 884,000 Americans filed for first-time jobless aid in the first week of September 2020. The high number of lay-offs and furloughs in the country has led to financial insecurity among Americans. Additionally, the stress of the virus itself is taking a toll.

By choosing acupuncture treatment, you will be able to reduce your stress and anxiety levels. It will also help in alleviating the physical symptoms of stress such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, frequent cold, chest pain, etc.

2. Relief from Headaches

Although several governments have lifted shelter-in-place measures, many Americans are working from home. In general, people are trying to avoid crowded places and spending a large amount of time in their homes. With higher screen time and long hours of working on the laptops, headaches, shoulder aches, backaches, and eye strain issues are becoming more common than ever.

Acupuncture offers a drug-free pain relief solution for people with headaches and poor posture. By strategically placing acupuncture needles at several points in the body, the acupuncturist will be able to help in reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation.

3. Helpful in Joint Ache and Muscle Pain

Whether it is chronic pain from arthritis, gout, rheumatoid and other problems or acute pain caused by accident or poor posture, Traditional Chinese Medicine is known to be effective in treating joint aches and muscle pains. The use of red flower analgesic oil is quite popular for pain relief. However, you need to visit an acupuncturist/TCM practitioner for your pain.

He/she will be able to diagnose the problem correctly and administer acupuncture needles or use cupping therapy equipment set to offer effective pain relief without the need for drugs.

4. Relief from Digestive Issues

With WFH policies in place, a large number of Americans are spending more time indoors. Limited physical movement and the added stress of COVID-19 is causing digestive distress among many people. Along with acupuncture, the practitioner may suggest Chinese herbal teas for better digestion. It will help you to improve your digestive health and thus, your overall well-being as well.

5. Improved Energy Levels

By insertion of acupuncture needles in strategic locations, acupuncturists can balance the opposing forces of Yin and Yang and create equilibrium in the energy flow, Qi, of the body. By removing energy blockages, it helps in increasing endorphin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels and thus produces a positive state of mind.

Along with acupuncture, the expert may suggest you stress reduction techniques, regular physical activity, and consumption of a balanced diet to improve your energy levels.

Is it Safe to visit an Acupuncturist amidst the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic?

Several TCM herbal products are available on the web. You can even buy Gua Sha massage tools to massage on your own. However, without the supervision of an expert TCM practitioner, you won't be able to reap the maximum benefits of holistic healing therapy. Additionally, without a practitioner's license, you won't be able to buy acupuncture needles online. So, it is essential to visit an acupuncturist/TCM practitioner for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

But, is it safe to visit a TCM practice? Experts suggest that it is safe to get an acupuncture treatment during the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus, provided safety guidelines are followed.

If the prevalence of COVID-19 positive cases is lower in your community, then it is relatively safer to book an appointment. Also, make sure that you choose a hygienic TCM practice that uses single-use acupuncture needles, disposable medical table paper, disposable face masks, and other PPE and medical safety supplies.

There should be a gap of at least half an hour between the appointments so that the room can be sanitized for the next patient. After every appointment, the room should be cleaned with disinfectants such as Madacide-FD germicidal solution and Madacide-FDW Plus disinfecting wipes for a thorough cleanup.

Stress Relief: The Acupuncture Way

Acupuncture is an effective healing method to help you alleviate the stress levels caused by the current Novel Coronavirus situation. It will help in balancing the energy flow of the body and lead you to better health and well-being. However, you must check the safety measures taken by the TCM practice before booking an appointment.

Are you working for a TCM/acupuncture practice? Single-use, disposable needles are essential for the safety of your patients. Buy acupuncture needles in bulk. Also, stock up on medical PPE supplies to follow the safety guidelines during each appointment.