Stress

Stress, Anxiety and Depression
The main concept stressed out individuals need to grasp is "Yin." Yin, of the famous pair Yin and Yang, represents all that is calm, cold, restful, slow, potential energy, solid, dark, quiet, inward, and downward. The night, femininity, moisture, water, blood, and sleep are all Yin aspects of life that stress (Yang in nature) depletes. Yang aspects of life are activity, sunlight, daytime, heat, energy, speed, outward, upward directions, and masculinity.
Working long hours consumes your yin especially when one is fueled by coffee, cigarettes, antidepressants, and fast food. Emotional stress raises our body's Yang energy which will deplete the Yin if continually fanned like a fire. The Yang energy which is essential to life and health is often depleted as well or is in an excess state when there is too much stress for one to handle.

What Do We Do About It?
First, get symptoms under control. Anxiety attacks, insomnia, headaches, irritability, neck and shoulder pain, IBS, hypertension, etc, may all be caused by stress. Acupuuncture and Chinese herbs are used to get control of these symptoms by nourishing your Yin and clearing off some of the excess heat so you feel more calm, cool, relaxed and rested.
Secondly, the focus shifts to lifestyle. For example, Working into the night (the Yin time of the 24hour day), instead of resting and doing low-key activities is counter-productive to preserving your Yin. Diet and exercise recommendations are given to help you maintain the balance of Yin and Yang. Regular acupuncture treatments are recommended to maintain your newfound sense of calm.