Insomnia: The Product of Built-up Stress and Too Much Anxiety

According to Western thought, anxiety is a mental illness. This so-called disease is believed to stem from cognitive misalignment, trauma, or chemical imbalances in the brain. Common treatments include medications and therapy. But what if I told you there was another way?

To look at anxiety holistically, we can see it as a surplus of energy. An inequality in what is coming in versus going out. A lack of letting go. It is a problem of excess input which leads to a stagnation in the flow of energy. Anxiety can wreak havoc onto our lives and affect not only our mental health but our physical health as well. 

Common Symptoms of Anxiety:

• Ulcers

• Sore throat

• Congestion

• Sleep insomnia

• Allergies

• Dark circles under the eyes

• Stomach cramps

• Digestion issues

• Heart palpitations

A classic proverb of Traditional Chinese Medicine says, “If there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is no free flow, there is pain.” In Taoism, anxiety is viewed as a symptom of resisting the natural flow of life. Therefore, anxiety can be a result of planning too much or trying to control the future. Too much input and not enough output. This causes an energetic blockage which manifests in our physical body. To move and clear this excess energy, focus on movement and action.

Practical Tips to Ease Symptoms:

• Journaling

• Take a bath

• Go to a lake or hot springs

• Yoga

• Go out into nature

• Writing

• Talk to a friend

• Go for a walk

• Clean up your house

• Talk to a coach

• Try something new

• Do a puzzle

• Adult coloring book

• Meditate

• Move your body

• Start a new hobby

• Practice Mindfulness

More on Mindfulness

A simple practice for being more mindful includes grounding yourself in the moment. You can do this by tapping into your five senses. List a few things that you are sensing in each category. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel? What do you taste? Meditation is also a great way to build your mindfulness muscle. By meditating just ten minutes a day you will notice how much easier it is to bring awareness to every moment, even outside of meditation.

How Acupuncture Care Clinic Can Help

At Acupuncture Care Clinic we specialize in functional medicine, getting to the root of the problem. Acupuncture is a great tool for clearing stagnation of energy and restoring flow to the energy centers of the body. Additionally, if you are looking for a professional to talk to and give you practical, holistic advice; consider booking a life coaching session here.