Derived from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture’s main principle is that there are channels (or “meridians”) connecting the internal organs in our body. When Qi, the life force that runs along these meridians, is disrupted, ailments occur. Needling stimulates the affected areas, allowing Qi to flow more freely along its vertical paths. Because it approaches the body as a holistic system, acupuncture addresses not only symptoms of stress — from anxiety and depression to migraines and TMJ — but the root cause.

THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM
“Stress is related to almost all cardiac behaviour and health problems,” says acupuncturist Dr. Tim Tanaka of The Pacific Wellness Institute, “which can trigger many other conditions and weaken your immune system.” During acupuncture treatments, there are two immediate physical effects: the heart rate drops and there is a stimulation in the central nervous system, both of which are critical to lowering stress.

Of course, while feeling mellow after a session is one thing, we can’t exactly walk around with needles in our bodies all day.

“Living in a big city, it is impossible to totally avoid stress,” explains Dr. Tanaka. “The long term goal of acupuncture is to strengthen the nervous system so that people can combat stress easier.”

Just as an athlete requires ongoing physical therapy to deal with injuries, we require self-maintenance to deal with repetitive stress in our often-hostile environments.

YOU CAN TRY THIS AT HOME
In moments of great stress, Dr. Tanaka recommends self-applied acupressure — pressing on trigger points instead of puncturing them. “The Lao Gong in the centre of the palm can be pressed to evoke relaxation,” he says. The Lao Gong, which literally means “labour’s place,” is a point along the pericardium meridian, a channel closely associated with emotion.

THE FIRST PRICK IS THE DEEPEST
Needles and trust should go hand in hand, so when you’re looking for an acupuncturist, it’s advisable that you do your homework. The Ontario government recently established the 2006 Chinese Medicine Act, put in place to ensure “only regulated and qualified practitioners who are accountable to a regulatory body may deliver acupuncture services.” This past spring, a council was established for just this purpose, though there have been no further developments on how services in the city will be managed. A referral from your doctor or naturopath is always recommended when looking for any alternative medical treatments.