Acupuncture for Peace

In Chinese medicine, there are certain points that are considered to calm the mind, or Shen as it is referred to in Mandarin. From a western perspective, you could say these points help relax our sympathetic nervous system, which is the part of our nervous system that enacts our basic stress response. This part of our nervous system is brilliant at survival and self-preservation, when confronted with danger. However, when confronted with ongoing, continuous stressful situations, sometimes our nervous systems can get stuck in the ‘on’ position of the ‘fight or flight’ response. It can then become more difficult to disengage the sympathetic nervous system. This can have negative impacts on both our physical as well as our mental health. In this series of acupuncture treatments, we will be working with a small group of pre-selected points that are known to ’Calm the Mind (or Shen)’ in order to encourage overall relaxation of the nervous system, to support both physical and mental health. 

For the acupuncture sessions, you will be either sitting on a pew, or laying down on the floor, for up to an hour. There are yoga mats, bolsters, and blankets at the Church, but please feel free to bring anything else what will allow you to be comfortable during the sessions, including pillows.

Please wear loose clothing, that easily allows pants to be rolled up to the knee, and shirts to come up to the forearm. Socks and shoes will need to come off. Please no fragrances, even essential oils.