Stress Management

Up to 77% of people say that stress affects their physical health. Consider stress management if you regularly feel anxious, tense, or generally overwhelmed. Healthy lifestyle changes, improved sleep hygiene, and relaxation techniques can significantly improve your quality of life. At Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine specialist Min Lu, MD, offers holistic stress management to people of all ages. To make an appointment, call the office in Gaithersburg, Maryland, or book online today.

What is stress management?

Stress management uses a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, nutrition guidance, and relaxation techniques to help you achieve a more satisfying quality of life.

Everyone experiences stress, but too much can negatively affect your relationships, outlook, and physical health. Stress management teaches you techniques to prevent you from becoming overwhelmed, making you better equipped to handle all of life’s challenges.

What are the symptoms of stress?

Stress presents various symptoms, including:

• Anxiety and irritability
• Aches and pains
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Jaw clenching
• Muscle knots
• Digestive problems
• Low libido

Periods of stress affect everyone, but if your symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen, contact Dr. Lu immediately.

When should I see a doctor about stress?

Make an appointment with Dr. Lu if you regularly experience stress or anxiety and it’s overwhelming. That’s especially true if the stress causes a decline in your performance at work or school or results in physical symptoms like gastrointestinal problems, chronic pain, or insomnia. 

What are some examples of stress treatments?

At Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness, Dr. Lu uses traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) techniques to treat stress and anxiety. Depending on your age, medical history, and symptoms, she might recommend:

Acupuncture

During acupuncture, Dr. Lu inserts a series of very thin needles into specific areas of your skin (called meridians). This improves the flow of qi, or life energy, encouraging optimal health. Acupuncture is pain-free and effective. It can even be combined with other treatments, like moxibustion, to enhance the benefits. 

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a type of traditional Chinese medicine where Dr. Lu burns sticks of dried mugwort, a flowering plant. After lighting the sticks, she holds them about an inch away from your skin. The heat from the mugwort opens your pores, releasing toxins from your body. 

Massage therapy

Massage therapy uses hands-on manipulation, like kneading, rubbing, and tapping the skin to relieve tension, encourage blood flow, and help you relax. It also releases hormones that provide a sense of calm and well-being.

Cupping therapy

Cupping therapy uses glass or ceramic cups to create a vacuum and suction your skin. That increases blood flow to the area, relieving muscle tension and feelings of anxiety.

If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed, request a stress management appointment at Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness by calling the office or booking online today.