Losing Balance is Part of Living a Balanced Life

Creating balance within our bodies and in our lives is very much a dynamic process. Losing balance is perhaps more common than attaining balance and should be understood as a natural element of living. How well we pay attention and adjust to the ever-changing demands of life is at the very core of wellness.

The basic mechanism that runs the body is quite simple: there is a fluid exchange of energy in and out.

The body knows how to regulate itself within certain limits. For example, if we miss a good night’s sleep, we might feel tired the next day, however, our body can recover the next night provided we get 7-8 hours of quality sleep. On the other hand, if we miss five night’s sleep in a row, the chemistry of our brain changes and the body cannot regulate itself without outside help. When we don’t make adjustments in the dynamic flow of energy, the system breaks down.

Stress is another good example of this dynamic relationship.

A little bit of stress is a good thing. A stressful situation increases the heart rate, accelerates breathing and adjusts hormonal levels so that we can perform at our very best. This extraordinary dance move is possible through the dancer’s ability to balance the elements of space and time with the laws of gravity. The dancer can only sustain this feat for a very brief moment. Through extensive training, he understands just how long this pose can be held before he loses his balance. His adjustment will be equally dynamic and restoring his equilibrium will require moments of rest and recovery.

Pay attention and adjust accordingly

When we pay attention to the needs of our bodies, our nervous system will regulate itself. When we live with prolonged stress (as most of us do), our system cannot keep up with the demand and breaks down. The typical response to chronic stress includes muscle tightness, feelings of being overwhelmed, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances and digestive disorders. These symptoms are messages that our system is out of balance and our energy flow is blocked. Our equilibrium needs recalibration.

Fortunately, acupuncture can help to open the channels of blocked energy to restore the lines of communication within the body. When combined with lifestyle adjustments, acupuncture can mitigate the damage caused by prolonged stress. It is a very powerful tool to promote self-healing within the body.

Stress is unavoidable. When we actively listen to our bodies and make adjustments for those times when we are overloaded or exhausted, we can reestablish balance and experience better health. Acupuncture treatments can help you feel more relaxed and better able to adjust to the demands of life to help you perform at your very best.