Kokin Healing Blog

At the Kokin Healing Center, we’re all about education. We love to empower our patients to learn how to take good care of their bodies; and we’re always learning ourselves. In that spirit, the Healing Blog is a place for us to teach and to learn. We hope you enjoy these posts and share them with friends, family and colleagues.

Combat Stress and Improve Your Health The Natural Way

Mar 17, 2023

The dictionary defines stress in multiple ways, but there is only one that matters when we discuss how stress affects our physical bodies. Stress is defined as a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension. Stress actually does have a function in our bodies, it’s the body’s way of signaling for help or a break in the routine. If we don’t listen to these signals, we can develop imbalances in our bodies, which can lead to illnesses.

Cortisol is the hormone most closely related to stress. Cortisol is a big component of the “fight or flight” response we feel when we are scared or threatened. In small bursts, cortisol is helpful. However, when stress becomes chronic, cortisol levels become elevated. This puts the body in a constant state of being on edge, eventually causing insomnia, depression, anxiety, digestive issues, and mental illness. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides many ways of combating stress and keeping our minds focused.

Here are a few examples of how this ancient medical system can help.

Chinese Herbal Formulas for Stress:
Combinations of herbs, known as formulas are used frequently in TCM. Xiao Yao San is a popular TCM formula used frequently to address stress. This formula is known as “Free and Easy Wanderer” because it helps remove any stagnation in the energetic pathways that lead to stress and difficulty focusing or staying on task.

Nutrition for Stress:
Proper nutrition is vital for everyone. But when it comes to stress and focus, nutrition for the kidneys is crucial. The kidneys are the source of our vital essence and if they are damaged, our health will suffer. Foods like black beans, kidney beans, asparagus, plums, blueberries, and blackberries are all beneficial for strengthening the kidneys. When the kidneys are strong, we are better prepared to deal with stress. As you can see, TCM is a great way to deal with stress. If you are having difficulties dealing with stress, contact your local acupuncturist to see what they can do for you.

Acupuncture for Stress:
Acupuncture for Stress: Acupuncture acts as physical therapy for the nervous system. The tiny needles retrain the nervous system and the brain to behave as it normally should. For the nervous system to act and respond accordingly, cortisol has to be at normal levels and only used when a true “fight or flight” situation occurs. Studies show acupuncture does this.

Acupuncture Points for Stress:
Yin Tang – Yin Tang is located directly between the inner edges of the eyebrows. It is a reflex
point of the pituitary gland. Yin Tang calms the mind and relaxes the body by controlling hormone secretions.

Ren 17 – Located in the center of the chest, midway between the nipples on the breastbone or sternum, this point is great for opening the chest. Many people feel chest tightness and
constriction when they become stressed. This point will definitely help. It is frequently used to treat anxiety, depression and nervousness, as well as asthma or other lung issues. It can also be added to treatments to help with digestive issues or heart problems like palpitations.

Kidney 1 – Kidney 1 is located on the bottom of the foot, at the junction of the anterior one-third and posterior two-thirds of the line connecting the base of the second and third toes and the heel. Kidney 1 can sedate and calm the mind, while also regulating blood flow to the upper part of the body, aka the brain.

 

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Meet Marin L. Kokin, L.Ac.

Marin — acupuncturist, nutritionist, and owner of the Kokin Healing Center — is beloved by her patients. Read about patients that have found success at the Kokin Healing Center in Calabasas.

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