You’re in the middle of cooking the dinner, the phone rings and you get caught up in a conversation, meanwhile the smoke alarm goes off, you dash out of the kitchen with the burning pan and desperately try to clear away the smoke. Experiencing stress in this way is important as gives you the adrenaline burst that could save your life.
However long term stress where you are coping with a busy job, moving house, dealing relationship problems, dropping the kids to school etc, can build up over time until you feel overloaded. You may have difficulty falling asleep or wake up frequently during the night. You may feel irritated or lose your temper easily or you may feel anxious or burst into tears easily. Your libido may be low or your menstrual cycle erratic and you may be experiencing stiffness in your joints especially your shoulders and neck. If this type of stress continues unchecked these symptoms can get worse and develop into fatigue, anxiety, depression, digestive problems, and long term pain.
It is important to find a relaxation technique such as walking, yoga, mediation or deep breathing to activate the body’s relaxation response and bring your nervous system into a state of restfulness.
Acupuncture is also widely used to help deal with the symptoms of long term stress. Very fine needles are inserted at particular points and the body responds by releasing its own natural anti-inflammatories and hormones. It is a gentle, calming treatment that helps bring the body back into a state of balance.
For more information or to book an appointment contact
Andrea Fitzgerald Lic. Ac.
Raheen, Limerick
085 1624311
Website: www.acuwest.ie
