Acupuncture and the Brain: Decoding the Mind-Body Connection

The mind controls the body's emotions and bodily functions, where all our thoughts and ideas originate. However, our minds are nothing without our bodies and vice-versa.You're in the right place if you're uncertain about your current emotional distress or unease. We'll discuss how experts will help you identify the causes of your pain and how you can start the road to healing with acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.

How Do the Mind and Body Impact Each Other?

Mental and physical health wasn't always considered connected in Western culture. Ancient Greek culture believed the soul was a separate part of our being that pre-existed a person's birth and persisted after death. While the soul was deemed mainly virtuous, the body was seen as a carcass carried about until it finally died and the spirit was freed.While the body can be a source of consistent issues, these ailments are commonly considered signs of an underlying problem. Think of the pain or discomfort in your body as a message from your body to yourself that something isn't right. This means it's time to make some changes and work to improve the welfare of your body.The body and mind are connected systems in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which means that when one system suffers, they both suffer. Diagnosing and treating the symptoms involves a holistic approach that deals with the physical and mental disturbances together and treats each element.

Kidney Health and Fear

Kidneys are a vital part of your body's waste management system. This organ removes toxins and excess waste from your body and converts it to urine, which we expel from the body. This is an effective system that can become overburdened with toxin removal when you're body's Chi (Qi) energy isn't flowing correctly.When your kidneys are suffering, you'll likely experience the following emotional states:

• Insecurity
• Fear
• Doubt

Physical symptoms include the following symptoms:

• Irregular sweating
• Feverish symptoms
• Hair loss or premature greying
• Loss of bone density
• Ear issues

Spleen Health and Excess Anxiety

The spleen is a fairly large organ just above the stomach. This organ is essential for removing toxins in the bloodstream and creating new white and red blood cells. It removes junk cells from the body's system, which is vital for the heart, oxygen levels, and the immune system.According to TCM, the spleen can become slow or overburdened if Chi isn't flowing correctly. Signs of an ill-functioning spleen include the following mental health issues:

• Overthinking a subject or situation
• Severe stress

Physical signs of a spleen deficiency include the following symptoms:

• Poor digestive functions
• Loose stool
• Tiredness
• Bruise Easily
• Excessive bleeding during a monthly period

Lung Health and Depression

The lungs are one of the most vital parts of the body since they pull air into the body and filter oxygen into the bloodstream. This allows all of your organs to function and keeps you moving.When the lungs cease working as they should, none of the body can operate as it should. Your energy levels will fall drastically, your heart will work harder than it should, and your blood oxygen will fall well below recommended levels. However, you can also expect to experience the following emotional symptoms:

• Sadness
• Grief

Heart Health and Restlessness

The human heart is a miraculous piece of biological engineering. When the heart functions well, it keeps the body moving and functioning normally. Most know that the heart pumps blood, but few know that the heart also pushes oxygen, hormones, and blood cells into the body's bloodstream.Several physical and emotional symptoms exist when the heart isn't working correctly. Physical symptoms include shortness of breath, sluggishness, numbness, and pain. Call your doctor or the emergency number if you experience any potential signs of heart disease or a heart attack.However, your heart may be experiencing an emotional and energy imbalance. Symptoms of an unbalanced heart include:

• Sexual dysfunction
• Loss of interest
• Emotional and mental discomfort
• Insomnia
• Feelings of desperation and despair

Liver Health and Anger

Much like the kidney, the liver is an essential organ for filtering toxins and waste from the body. However, unlike the kidney, the liver filters the blood and removes old cells and other pollutants. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body, but it's not invincible.Drinking, drugs, and emotional stress can burden the liver and cause damage to the rest of your body's systems. Pain in the back and lower stomach can indicate an issue with your liver and its functions. A poorly functioning liver can also cause the following emotional imbalances and symptoms:

• Frustration
• Anger
• Disappointment
• Irritable emotions
• Bitterness in mouth
• Rage

Balance Your Mind and Body With Acupuncture and TCM

Acupuncture is an ancient form of therapy from China. It utilizes fine needles known as acupuncture needles and triggers specific points in the body known as meridians. Meridians are essential for spreading Chi (Qi) energy throughout the body and adequately keeping the various systems working.If you're experiencing any of the emotions or lack of balance discussed above, you might need to balance your Chi energy. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help you feel better, regain your lost power, and restore your organs.To start feeling well today, contact our expert acupuncturists at Be Well! We will give you the best care and help you regain your mind-body balance.