Basking in a fast paced environment, stress and anxiety have emerged as growing challenges in our modern society. Stress-related suboptimal health conditions can exert significant effects on both our physical and mental well-being, potentially disrupting daily functioning and overall quality of life. Besides a drop in overall productivity, an overly-stressed individual could also experience emotional disengagement, affecting interpersonal relationships.

Clinically, there are a few identified physiological functions that are impacted by stress, namely, the cardiovascular, digestive, immune, respiratory, reproductive, musculoskeletal and endocrine (hormonal) systems.

How do you identify stress-related conditions?

Some common subhealth conditions that could indicate negative stress levels over an extended period of time include but are not limited to；

High Blood Pressure (HBP) at baseline
Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep (active mind)
Fatigue easily
Disruption in mental focus
Acne at forehead or sides of face
Digestive issues such as heartburn and bloating
Change in Appetite
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or change in bowel movement pattern
Lower immunity, falling sick easily and recovering slower
Asthma attacks or difficulty breathing
Mood variability i.e. feeling sad, angry, frustrated easily
Chronic muscular pain at neck and shoulder / muscle knots in shoulder
Headache or throbbing pain at sides of head
Irregular menstrual period cycle and flow

Causes of Stress and Anxiety from a clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective

It is imperative to identify the contributing external factors. External influences such as occupational stress, relationship challenges, excessive worry, emotional trauma and lifestyle habits are amongst the most common.

Then, the TCM clinician organizes the main symptoms and identifies underlying affected organ systems. Often, more than 1 organ system is responsible for the ailments and a professional TCM physician would be able to draw conclusions on the overall imbalances in the systems.

By discerning the root causes of stress and anxiety, TCM practitioners can develop personalized treatment plans to restore balance and manage stress and alleviate symptoms effectively.

Evidence-Based TCM Approaches for Managing Stress and Anxiety:

The winning characteristic about TCM approaches is the strategy of holistic wellbeing and seeing the body as an intertwined system. This is especially important for conditions that impact multiple organ systems and would enable treatments to be superiorly effective.

Musculoskeletal Release and Correction, a popular technique developed by Common TCM, is a combination of Japanese ‘Small Face Therapy’ and Chief Physician Victoria’s acupressure technique. The gentle and calming motion releases cranial pressure and stimulates oxygen flow through the micro vessels in the face, neck and shoulder. The end result is smooth blood and oxygen circulation, relaxed nerve and muscle and dopamine release for neuromodulatory effects. Highly recommended for upper body tension and head ailments.

Acupuncture: Extensive clinical research has demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in managing stress and anxiety. Studies have indicated that through the stimulation of specific acupoints, acupuncture sessions stimulate endorphins, promote relaxation, down regulate anxiety pathways, and modulate the body's stress response system. This then facilitates a state of balance and tranquility. Combined with Common TCM’s signature musculoskeletal correction, the duo treatment successfully relieves stress and tension accumulated in the head and upper back.

Herbal Medicine: Clinical studies have shown the efficacy of specific herbal compounds in improving antioxidant capacity and modulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. This translates to systemic relief of stress-induced symptoms and has calming effects.

Self Help Stress Relief Methods

Qi Gong and Tai Chi: Clinical investigations have highlighted the positive impact of Qi Gong and Tai Chi on stress and anxiety reduction. These ancient practices, combining movement, breath control, and meditation, promote efficient oxygen circulation, enhance mental clarity, and improve overall resilience. Regular practice of Qi Gong and Tai Chi has been associated with decreased stress levels, improved emotional well-being, and enhanced quality of life.
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations: Evidence suggests that dietary adjustments incorporating stress-reducing foods, such as leafy greens, whole grains, and herbal teas, while minimizing stimulants like caffeine and processed foods, can positively influence stress and anxiety levels.

It is recommended to seek guidance from qualified TCM practitioners who can offer personalized treatment plans based on individual needs. By adopting a proactive approach and focusing on holistic care, individuals can effectively manage stress and anxiety, promoting long-term health and vitality.

How Many Sessions Do I Need?

Managing stress and anxiety is a journey and a process. At Common TCM, your physician will follow through your experience and determine optimal frequency of visits based on your current stress levels and lifestyle. The average timeline to reset any imbalances will range from 3-6 months. Improvements in mental and physical wellbeing can be expected within a month of treatments.

Who is this suitable for?

There are no exclusions to this treatment as it can also be used for maintenance. There are many aspects of health and wellbeing that remain undetected until pointed out during our wellbeing consultation. This consultation can be an opportunity to review your wellbeing status, stress levels and personalize your healthcare journey.

Most importantly, do your research and seek advice from reputable professionals for an elevated healing experience. For more information, visit our website to learn more about our treatments and physicians or book an appointment. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to support you on your journey towards better health.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information for understanding migraines and the potential benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments. It is important to note that these guidelines should not replace individualized medical advice or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Stress and Anxiety: A Clinical Exploration and Evidence-Based Strategies in Traditional Chinese Medicine