Dying of Stress

One more essay before I return to my list format, if I may.
I attended a seminar this month, where these 2 points made an impact on me:

1. "Cures have been found for most deadly acute diseases. We will die of chronic disease. Stress, diet and toxins are the biggest contributors."

2. "There is a new diagnostic code that can be filed with insurance claims for Occupational Stress."

In Chinese Medicine, the short-hand diagnostic term for stress is Qi Stagnation. The diagnostic terms are labels for a group of symptoms, and Qi Stagnation applies to: rib-pain, chest distention, sighing, moodiness, irritability, a variety of digestive disturbances, and a variety of PMS symptoms. To quote an old teacher of mine, "Qi Stagnation is the physical manifestation of 'not getting what you want'". As you can imagine, everyone now-a-days has Qi Stagnation. When you have some of these symptoms...treat it! When it is chronic, you can imagine how many deadly diseases can result over decades.

Besides treating people with acupuncture and herbs, we make lifestyle recommendations when appropriate to the condition and our scope of practice. We see Qi Stagnation, like any other diagnosis, as treatable, if not curable. The acupuncture and herbs will treat a condition effectively as long as the source does not re-introduce itself, so this is how I like to address the source:

"What is the cause of your stress?" (wait for answer, then...) "And what do you plan to do about it?"

I know most people don't have a plan yet, but I like to encourage the idea of one.
I see too many patients, family, and friends thinking stress is just an accepted aspect of life. Short-term, maybe. But years of hating your job or house or partner, etc. requires action. I also hear that someone knows a change is necessary (for example in relationships), but they don't feel the power to act on it. That is often a symptom of depression, to make matters worse - Low motivation / feelings of hopelessness. Usually decisions are made for us, years after they should be.
(I don't encourage break-ups in the clinic, but I have heard that many complicated health conditions have resolved soon after divorce.)

I can testify to having a whole new "daily mood" thanks to many drastic changes in my own life over the past 2 years. When I hit little bumps in the road still, I treat it before they snowball into a mood disorder. I expect it translates to a healthier phase of life for my insides. I hope that my happiness inspires those around me, and that as we de-stress, we serve as role models to other sufferers.