Acupuncture: A Natural Remedy for Jet Lag Recovery
Jet lag can be a frustrating side effect of long-distance travel, leaving you feeling fatigued, disoriented, and out of sync with your new time zone. Fortunately, acupuncture offers a natural and effective solution to help reset your body's internal clock and alleviate the symptoms of jet lag.
Benefits
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to redirect qi (energy) and rebalance the body's internal systems. When it comes to jet lag, we focus on horary points that correspond to the body's circadian rhythm. By targeting these points, acupuncture can help:
Reset your internal clock: Acupuncture can stimulate specific horary points to redirect qi to the correct meridian, effectively updating your body's internal clock to match your new physical location.
Improve sleep quality: Acupuncture has been shown to increase melatonin secretion and boost free adenosine levels by up to 24%, promoting better sleep and helping you adjust to the new time zone more quickly.
Reduce fatigue and improve focus: By rebalancing qi in the body, acupuncture can help combat the flu-like symptoms and fatigue associated with jet lag, allowing you to function better during waking hours.
Alleviate anxiety and stress: Travel can be stressful, and jet lag can exacerbate these feelings. Acupuncture helps release endorphins, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Address digestive issues: Jet lag can often cause stomach discomfort, constipation, or diarrhea. Acupuncture can help regulate digestive functions and alleviate these symptoms.
Common treatments used for jet lag
To maximize the benefits of acupuncture for jet lag recovery, it's best to schedule a treatment within 24 hours of arriving at your destination. And we may also use Chinese herbs in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance the treatment's effectiveness.
Moreover, we may place a small seed on a specific point in your ear, which you can massage periodically to extend the benefits of the treatment. This technique, known as auricular acupuncture, can be particularly helpful for managing jet lag symptoms between treatments.
Tips for jet lag recovering
In addition to acupuncture, there are several complementary strategies you can use to combat jet lag:
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine during your flight.
Practice simple stretches and exercises during your flight to improve circulation.
Use an eye mask to block out light and create a dark environment for sleep.
Try a warm foot bath with Epsom salts to nourish yin energy and promote relaxation.
While these self-help techniques can be beneficial, professional acupuncture treatment remains the most effective way to address jet lag. Acupuncture's ability to rebalance the body's energy and reset circadian rhythms makes it an excellent choice for frequent travelers or anyone struggling with the effects of crossing multiple time zones.
By incorporating acupuncture into your travel routine, you can minimize the impact of jet lag and enjoy your destination feeling refreshed, focused, and energized. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, acupuncture can help ensure that jet lag doesn't hold you back from making the most of your trip.
