As I pulled out of my office driveway this afternoon and tried to make my usual left handed turn across traffic, I was shocked at what I saw. A line of traffic backed up in both directions as far as I could see, full of hopeful holiday shoppers! I thought I would try and sneak in a little Christmas shopping myself during the weekday lunch hour, but was surprised to see that I was not the only one with this bright idea. I observed all the honking horns and stressed out faces of those shopping for their loved ones and felt anxious to be done and get off the roads.
When I got back to my office, I did a little “self acupuncture” to help relieve stress. My favorite point is called yin tang and it is located right in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows. The name itself means hall of impression, and it is known as the ‘third eye’ by many traditional cultures. It is a great stress relieving point and offers a feeling of tranquility. It works best in conjunction with other acupuncture points that can help calm the spirit, known in Chinese medicine as “shen”. Commonly, when people experience stress, it is the liver and heart meridians that are typically affected. Acupuncture acts to calm the central nervous system by increasing the release of brain chemicals including melatonin and endorphins, the “feel good” hormones.
So as you push through the last moments of this holiday season, make sure and take some time for yourself to relax and unwind. A 60 minute acupuncture session may do just the trick!
When I got back to my office, I did a little “self acupuncture” to help relieve stress. My favorite point is called yin tang and it is located right in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows. The name itself means hall of impression, and it is known as the ‘third eye’ by many traditional cultures. It is a great stress relieving point and offers a feeling of tranquility. It works best in conjunction with other acupuncture points that can help calm the spirit, known in Chinese medicine as “shen”. Commonly, when people experience stress, it is the liver and heart meridians that are typically affected. Acupuncture acts to calm the central nervous system by increasing the release of brain chemicals including melatonin and endorphins, the “feel good” hormones.
So as you push through the last moments of this holiday season, make sure and take some time for yourself to relax and unwind. A 60 minute acupuncture session may do just the trick!
