There is a growing body of research linking too much stress with a long list of scary stuff, including depression, anxiety, an increased susceptibility to infections even heart attacks and strokes.
So what can you do when you’re under pressure, feeling “stressed out” and constantly battling the headaches, body aches, sleep disturbances, and fatigue that usually accompany emotional stress?
There is more than one way to banish stress from your life. In this series of articles, we’ve listed three holistic (healing mind and body) ways of coping with stress, starting with acupuncture.
Acupuncture: Acupuncturist John Blank has given more than 70,000 treatments during his 23 years in practice and says there is one treatment he thinks of right away when his patients are looking for stress relief the 5np protocol.
Also known as the NADA protocol, the 5np is done in a “community acupuncture” setting as opposed to an individual one-on-one type of treatment and targets five specific acupuncture points in both ears including the Shen Men point, which helps bring on feelings of relaxation and peacefulness.
The 5np protocol is mostly used for addiction treatment, but Blank says it also has a powerful effect on stress reduction.
“When you walk into a room filled with patients who have had this treatment, you can feel the difference. It’s calm and peaceful,” Blank says.
Most acupuncturists will let you “steep” in your 5np treatment for 30 to 45 minutes before removing the needles. Some may even adhere tiny seeds to the ear points these are actually called ear seeds in the acupuncture community to help stimulate the acupuncture points and help you retain the feelings of peace and tranquility throughout the day.
Want to learn more about community acupuncture, the 5np protocol or find an acupuncturist in your area? Here is more information:
Community acupuncture:
“Acupuncture for All” Utne Reader, July/August 2008
People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture
5np Protocol:
National Acupuncture Detoxification Association
“Ear Acupuncture to Support Mental Health” by Hearthside Healing
Find an acupuncturist in your area:
American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Next up: Using Reiki To Relieve Stress.
