With February being National Heart Month, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss treatments that promote relaxation by directly influencing the autonomic nervous system.
Your Nervous System and Fight or Flight Syndrome
The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts: sympathetic or fight or flight, and parasympathetic, which is responsible for relaxation. The sympathetic nervous system in influenced primarily by the adrenal glands. These glands secrete the three primary stress hormones involved in fight or flight: cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine.
Stress is a big factor in heart health. Stress raises the blood pressure increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. In addition, stress increases inflammation in the body. Over time when blood pressure runs high, damage occurs to the vessel walls resulting in increased inflammation and scar tissue damage to the blood vessels.
How Acupuncture Can Influence Fight or Flight Signals
Acupuncture treatments can influence the sympathetic nervous system directly by increasing parasympathetic activity in the adrenal glands turning off the fight or flight signals. The treatments outlined below specifically act on this mechanism.
- Adrenal treatment involves treating the nerves innervating the gland itself. The spinal nerves T12 and L1 are treated at 80 hz for 20 minutes. This causes the adrenal glands to rest by turning off the fight or flight signal.
- Auricular (ear acupuncture) treatment can be used at the same sites if active. Using a point finding device we can see if T12 and L1 is active
- The pericardium and triple energizer channels are related with both parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system. Treating pericardium 6 and triple energizer 5 at 80 hz balances both aspects of the nervous system
- Acupuncture point SI 16 is found on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Parasympathetic serves are found in the cervical region. In general, treating the neck with electrical stimulation may help activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Treating the acupuncture point SI 16 specifically influences the nervous system and may help with other stress related disorders like acid reflux by influencing the sphincters in the digestive tract.
Stress has a big impact on heart health in general. Treating stress and turning on the relaxation mechanisms of the nervous system is very important. In addition, engaging in activities that encourage parasympathetic activity including yoga, meditation, tai chi, and breathing exercises will improve heart health. Making relaxation a part of your lifestyle with acupuncture and exercise is the best treatment for stress.
