As late winter lingers and the world continues to shift unpredictably, our bodies can start to accumulate an undercurrent of stress that seems ever-present. From the weight of global events to personal responsibilities, the mind and body can slowly lose its resiliency, reducing our capacity to adapt and recover. 

Navigating Stress and Strengthening Health in Late Winter

Not all stress is bad stress. But, our nervous systems are best equipped to handle stress in short bursts—quick responses to immediate threats that allow us to respond, adapt and recover. When perceived stress becomes chronic, its effects can accumulate disrupting sleep, immunity, metabolic health, hormone balance, digestion, and emotional equilibrium.

In East Asian medicine, the physical pattern that accompanies chronic stress is referred to as ‘qi counterflow’.  In a balanced + relaxed state, the qi in the body settles downwardly in the body: the nervous system has access to greater creativity, intuition, and the capacity to respond to life rather than react to it.

A simple way to understand the pattern of qi counterflow is to imagine something that causes you tension. As you do, notice how the body reacts: constriction in the gut, a tight chest, clenched jaw, shallow breathing, tension in the shoulders, and busy, racing thoughts. Stress has an upward-moving nature, that, if left unchecked, can lead to anxiety, restlessness. We see tightening physical symptoms in the upper body and a disconnection or denervation from lower energy centers. 

Many patients describe feeling on edge, or unable to fully relax. Whether it is worry about your physical safety, finances, the future, or ongoing global concerns, this pervasive stress has a real impact. But just as the body can accumulate stress, it can also be guided back to a place of groundedness and ease.

The Importance of Daily Practices to Anchor and Restore

What helps us stay steady amidst ongoing change? We need to cultivate both flexibility and stability—we need to bend while also rooting deeply into nourishing practices. Just as the nervous system can become conditioned to high alert, it can also be reminded of its inner power and calm resources.

Regular self-cultivation practices—whether qigong, meditation, yoga, prayer, or even moments of intentional breathing—help to descend and settle the qi, re-establishing a healthy baseline for the body and mind. 

In the clinic, acupuncture and bodywork can help to address symptoms while also helping to resettle the nervous system and support a more balanced baseline.  Research studies suggest one acupuncture treatment can help lower cortisol levels for four or more days[1]; regular consistent visits can make an ongoing impact.

Deep Roots + Flexible Growth

As always, be wise with your inner resources and stay attuned to the wisdom in your bodies with small, but intentional and consistent gestures.

I love using the metaphor of being like the trees in a vast forest together – by working towards both flexibility and deep rooting, perhaps we can weather the storms that arise, and offer our branches and rhizomes outwards to others who may need the safety of our branches.