Stress Increases Aging

Severe emotional distress - like that caused by divorce, the loss of a job, or caring for an ill child or parent - may speed up the aging of the body's cells at the genetic level. Though doctors have linked chronic psychological stress to weakened immune function and an increased risk of catching colds, among other things, there is now a link between stresses and damaged or weakened tissue.

According to Chinese Medicine, stress causes a significant imbalance in the body’s Qi mechanism. One organ system affected, early on, is the Liver. From a western medical viewpoint the Liver plays an important role in re-building blood cells, as well as several other metabolic functions related to longevity and health. As the Qi dysfunction progresses, other systems will become involved: Heart, Spleen/pancreas, Intestines, Lung and Kidney. All the body’s organs have specific roles in governing the aging process. If allowed to go unchecked, prolonged stress can eventually overwhelm individual organ systems. When this happens the body is unable to re-establish balance or homeostasis. Rapid deterioration will result, thus decreasing the ability of the body to heal itself.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can have a tremendous affect on restoring balance to the body’s Qi mechanism. As a result of regular preventative wellness treatments, patients can considerably slow down the aging process.

Meridian Harmonics