Most of us can attest to the fact that stress is reaching epidemic
proportions in modern society. Balancing work, family, health, money,
etc. is a challenge that many of us feel ill equipped to face. Eighty
percent of the doctor visits in our country are stress related. Our quality
of life and health is largely determined by how we adapt and relate to
daily stressors. Here are a few ancient techniques for eliminating stress,
increasing energy, and creating emotional balance. These are some of
the most powerful tools we have for achieving optimal health and
preventing future disease. 1) Meditation: Practiced for thousands of years in many Asian cultures,
meditation has long been recognized as one of the most powerful tools
we have for cultivating peace of mind and balance. Numerous studies
have proven the incredibly positive effect that meditation has on stress
reduction. There are literally hundreds of meditation techniques taught
around the world. For beginners, the most helpful approach is to start
with basic mindfulness techniques that develop both relaxation and
alertness. Once a basic ground of awareness has been stabilized, then
more advanced meditation practices can be undertaken. If you need
help getting started, go to
http://www.havinghealthnow.com/meditationcd.html 2) Yoga: This ancient practice has also been utilized by millions of
people throughout history. Yoga is typically considered a form of
meditation that involves putting the body into a variety of poses in
combination with deep breathing to induce mental clarity, increased
energy, and physical strength and flexibility. The healing benefits of
yoga have been repeatedly documented by a variety of clinical studies.
There are many forms of yoga and it is best to experiment to determine
which form feels the most helpful for your needs. 3) Acupuncture: One of the pillars of traditional Chinese medicine,
acupuncture has been practiced for at least 2,500 years. Perhaps one
of the last truly holistic forms of healthcare remaining on the planet,
acupuncture works with the Qi (life force ) of the body in order to induce
a variety of therapeutic effects. The safety and efficacy of this practice
are well documented which accounts for its incredible surge in
popularity in the Western world. Acupuncture is considered one of the
most powerful treatment options for stress reduction. Only seek
acupuncture treatment from licensed acupuncturists ( as opposed to
chiropractors or MD’s who practice acupuncture). 4) Herbal medicine: There are a variety of both Chinese and Western
herbal formulas that have been clinically proven to reduce stress and
create emotional balance. Herbs are much less concentrated than
pharmaceuticals, which is why they have far less side effects (but can
still be as effective). If you are interested in this treatment option, many
acupuncturists can skillfully prescribe herbal formulas. This is
recommended over buying herbs over the counter with little knowledge
of their intended usage. 5) Nutrition: Eating a diet high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and
low glycemic carbohydrates can go a long ways in healing stress. The
standard American diet (high in processed foods, saturated fat, sugar,
and transfats) has been linked to anxiety, depression, and increased
stress in numerous studies. Change your diet to an organic, whole
foods approach and both your body and mind will reward you beyond
measure. Making these lifestyle changes may not be easy in the initial phases and
it is often helpful to seek out the support of a health care practitioner to
guide you through these transitions. Once you start feeling the
enormous payoff of making such changes, there truly is no turning back.
Your stress will dissolve, your weight will decrease, and your energy will
skyrocket. Isn’t that enough to warrant making a few changes? Kevin Doherty, L.Ac., MS is a licensed acupuncturist in private practice
in Superior, Colorado and the staff acupuncturist for the integrative care
department at Exempla Good Samaritan hospital in Lafayette, Colorado.
Kevin treats a variety of stress-related health concerns in his practice.
For more information, please visit http://www.havinghealthnow.com
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