Nowadays stress can be generated by various aspects of everyday life, such as work, relationships, living environment, etc. Long-term stress can create imbalances in our body systems, causing symptoms such as sleep disorders, fatigue, digestion disorders, hormonal imbalances, and so on. Acupuncture and herbal medicine may not be able to change the factors that create stress in your life, but they can help with stress-related symptoms and disorders. 
Acupuncture is based on the theory of meridians and acupuncture point energetics. Most stress-related cases manifest as the pattern of Qi stagnation. Qi is the fundamental terminology used in the field of acupuncture. Qi can be explained as the active energy or substance in our mind-body system. Stress interferes with the movement of Qi, thus leading to Qi stagnation. Traditional Chinese medicine practice applies different modalities to remove Qi stagnation and bring balance back to our mind-body system. These modalities include but are not limited to acupuncture needling, cupping, Tuina, Gua Sha, Qigong, and Tai Chi.
Herbal medicine can particularly help with soothing Qi stagnation to relieve stress-related disorders. To practice herbal medicine safely and effectively, a licensed acupuncturist will formulate an herbal prescription based on each patient’s individual case. Licensed acupuncturists in Texas are not only certified by the Texas Medical Board, but they are also required to meet NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) Herbal Board education requirements and to pass all board examinations.
There are different forms of herbal medicine, such as traditional herbal decoctions, herbal tea, herbal capsules, and tinctures, that can be selected based on efficacy, convenience, and patient preference. One of the most commonly used herbal formulas to sooth Qi flow and relieve stress disorders is Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Plus). This herbal formula is composed with multiple herbal ingredients to assist Qi flow, strengthen Qi and nourish blood. To ensure Jia Wei Xiao Yan San is prescribed effectively and safely, please consult a licensed acupuncturist.
There are multiple ways to support stress relief besides acupuncture and herbal medicine. Nutritional balance, adequate exercise, and sleep schedule adjustments can all be a part of a solution to stress disorders. A licensed acupuncturist can make recommendations and support you in all these areas, helping you along your journey to reducing stress in your life.
