Finding Balance in Uncertain Times with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Dennis ‘Kaz’ Kasunic, LAc | Forest Park Wellness

Many people today are carrying a level of tension that goes beyond the usual pressures of work and family life. Political division, economic uncertainty, rising costs, and the constant stream of troubling news can create a background hum of anxiety that never fully shuts off. Even when we try to ignore it, the body often keeps the score.

You wake up tired, scroll through the headlines, and before your feet hit the floor your shoulders are already tight. Bills need to be paid, the world feels unsettled, and your mind is racing before the day has even begun. If you’ve noticed more headaches, digestive issues, poor sleep, or increased pain recently, you’re not imagining things. Chronic stress changes how the nervous system functions and can make the body more reactive and less resilient over time.

Mental and emotional resilience is not something we either have or do not have. It is something we build over time through consistent support and healthy habits. And sometimes, one of the most effective ways to support the body is to help the nervous system remember how to relax.

When Stress Becomes a Physical Problem

Stress is often thought of as a mental or emotional issue, but its effects are deeply physical. You may notice it as shallow breathing, restless sleep, headaches, jaw clenching, digestive upset, fatigue, or a feeling that you are always “on edge.” Some people become more irritable. Others feel emotionally drained, overwhelmed, or stuck.

When the brain perceives danger or uncertainty, it activates the sympathetic nervous system—better known as the “fight or flight” response. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released to help us respond to immediate threats. This response is incredibly useful in short bursts. However, when it remains activated for weeks or months, it can begin to wear the body down.

Chronic stress may contribute to:

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Muscle tension and chronic pain
• Digestive disturbances
• Headaches and migraines
• Increased inflammation
• Anxiety and depression
• Fatigue and low energy
• Greater sensitivity to pain

In other words, stress affects nearly every system in the body.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine Views Stress

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long recognized the close relationship between emotional and physical health. In Chinese medicine, stress is often associated with stagnation of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the body’s vital energy. When Qi flows freely, we tend to feel balanced and healthy. When it becomes blocked, symptoms can arise—both emotionally and physically.

A common pattern seen in stressful times is known as Liver Qi Stagnation. Despite the name, this does not refer to liver disease. In TCM, the Liver system is responsible for keeping energy moving smoothly throughout the body. When stress, frustration, or emotional strain disrupt this flow, people may experience:

• Irritability or mood swings
• Anxiety
• Tight shoulders and neck
• Headaches
• Digestive discomfort
• Sleep disturbances
• A sense of feeling “stuck”

Chinese medicine also recognizes the role of the Heart and Shen, which relate to the mind and spirit. When stress unsettles the Shen, it can lead to racing thoughts, restlessness, and insomnia. Acupuncture works by helping restore balance—moving stagnant Qi, calming the Shen, and supporting the body’s natural ability to adapt.

Why Acupuncture Feels So Relaxing

Many patients notice a profound sense of calm during and after acupuncture treatments. Some describe it as the deepest relaxation they have felt in months. Others say they sleep better, feel more grounded, and respond to life with greater ease. Modern research helps explain why. Acupuncture has been shown to:

• Regulate the autonomic nervous system
• Lower cortisol levels
• Promote the release of endorphins
• Improve circulation
• Relax tight muscles
• Support deeper sleep

In practical terms, acupuncture helps shift the body from a state of constant alertness into one of restoration and repair. This is where healing happens.

Small Practices That Build Resilience

Healing does not always come from one dramatic breakthrough. More often, it is built through small actions repeated consistently over time. Practice builds presence, balance
and momentum. Along with acupuncture, simple daily habits can make a meaningful difference.

Give Your Nervous System a Break

Take a short walk without your phone. Spend a few minutes outside. Let your mind rest from constant input.

Breathe More Slowly

Lengthening your exhale signals the body that it is safe to relax. Even five slow breaths can reduce tension.

Prioritize Sleep

Perfect sleep is not necessary. Consistency is more important. Going to bed and waking up at similar times helps regulate the nervous system.

Keep Energy Moving

Walking, stretching, yoga, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi can help release built-up stress and improve circulation.

Nourish Yourself Well

Colorful fruits and vegetables, healthy proteins, and foods rich in B vitamins and magnesium can help replenish nutrients depleted by chronic stress.

A Quiet Space to Reset

One of the most valuable aspects of acupuncture is that it creates an opportunity to pause. In a world that often feels noisy, fast-moving, and uncertain, treatment offers a chance to slow down and reconnect with yourself. The body is given time to shift out of survival mode and into a state where healing can occur. Over time, many people find they are sleeping more deeply, thinking more clearly, and feeling better equipped to handle whatever life brings.

Support When You Need It Most

In uncertain times, caring for your nervous system is not a luxury—it is an investment in your health, clarity, and resilience. Acupuncture offers a quiet place to reset, helping your body remember what it feels like to breathe deeply, sleep soundly, and move through life with greater ease.

If you have been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, or physically affected by stress, acupuncture may offer the support your body needs. Dennis “Kaz” Kasunic, LAc, provides individualized acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments at Forest Park Wellness in Portland. His calm, thoughtful approach helps patients reduce stress, improve sleep, relieve pain, and restore a greater sense of balance and well-being.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, use our online appointment portal or call (503) 272-6646. Because sometimes the most important thing we can do is give our nervous system the chance to rest, recover, and remember what balance feels like.