Calm the Mind, Heal the Body: How TCM Relieves Stress and Restores Gut Health
Are You Feeling the Weight of Stress? From racing thoughts and anxiety, to fatigue, insomnia, and gut issues, stress affects every corner of your health. It’s more than just a feeling—it’s a biological storm that floods your body with cortisol, suppresses your digestion, and deregulates your nervous system. What are the long-term effects? High blood pressure, mood swings, nausea, immune dysfunction, and even severe digestive disorders like IBS and SIBO.
Stress is now considered the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., and the average American reports feeling stressed over 32 hours per week. Even teens and young adults are increasingly struggling, with rising rates of anxiety, PTSD, and disconnection from social life.
But here’s the good news—Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a safe, holistic, and effective way to calm your mind, reset your body, and regain emotional harmony, without side effects.
How TCM Helps Reduce Stress and Heal the Body
In TCM, stress is viewed as disrupting the smooth flow of Qi, especially in the Liver meridian, which governs emotions. When Liver Qi becomes stagnant, it can throw off the balance of your Heart (joy), Spleen (digestion and intellect), and Kidney (fear and adrenal function). This explains why stress often affects your digestion, mood, and sleep—all at once.
TCM addresses stress on every level:
Acupuncture and electro-stimulation to reduce cortisol and activate your parasympathetic nervous system
Bodywork therapies like tuina, cupping, and guasha release tension and trapped emotions
Herbal remedies and supplements to support your Liver and calm the mind
Qi gong, tai chi, meditation, and emotional coaching to restore inner balance
Lifestyle guidance and nutrition to support your nervous system and gut
Stress Patterns in TCM
Liver Qi Stagnation Signs: Irritability, depression, PMS, tight neck/shoulders, anxiety
Liver Qi Insulting the Heart Signs: Heart palpitations, chest pain, insomnia, emotional overwhelm
Liver Overacting on Spleen Signs: Bloating, constipation, fatigue, alternating loose stools
Liver and Kidney Disharmony Signs: Low back pain, anxiety, irregular menstruation, adrenal fatigue
Acupuncture: Rewire Your Stress Response
Acupuncture has been clinically shown to:
Reduce cortisol (stress hormone)
Boost endorphins for natural mood elevation
Stimulate the vagus nerve, shifting your body out of “fight or flight” into “rest and digest”
Improve Qi and blood circulation throughout your body and brain
Key Acupoints for Stress Relief
P-6 (Neiguan): Calms heart palpitations, anxiety, chest tension
Du-20 (Baihui): Eases depression, insomnia, and mental fog
Schedule your acupuncture appointment today with one of our expert practitioners to feel calmer, lighter, and more in control.
Herbal & Nutritional Solutions
Support your emotional balance naturally with TCM formulas and supplements from our Wellness Living line:
Herbal Remedy
Wood Core Element Herbal Formula
It includes chrysanthemum, peppermint, mulberry, cassia seeds, and dandelion, which cool the Liver, clear the head, and soothe irritability and restlessness. It’s non-GMO and 100% plant-based.
Key Supplements for Stress Support
Omega Support – Calms inflammation and uplifts mood
Vitamin D+K – Boosts resilience and reduces depression
Magnesium Calm – Relaxes the nervous system and helps with sleep
Shop online or in the clinic today for these stress-relieving essentials.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips
for Calming the Mind and Gut
Exercise
Daily Chi Gong for the Wood Element for the Liver
Swimming (ocean or pool) to soothe the nervous system
Hiking, tai chi, or freeform dancing to release tension
Healing Foods
Apple cider vinegar – Reduces oxidative stress and lifts mood
Salmon – Rich in Omega-3s for brain and gut harmony
Emotional Hygiene
Meditation: Try Dr. Mao’s Meditation for Stress Release
Journaling: Release emotions to paper and gain insight
Gratitude Practice: Cultivates peace, contentment and connection
At Tao of Wellness, we understand how deeply stress affects your health—and how healing is possible. Whether you’re struggling with digestive distress, emotional burnout, or chronic anxiety, our integrative team is ready to support you with a customized plan.
Start with our Emotional Wellness Package, which may include:
Acupuncture
Bodywork therapy
Personalized herbal formulation
Individual instruction in meditation or qi gong practice
Journaling guidance
Call us today to schedule an appointment at our Santa Monica or Pasadena office or to order your personalized product package. Let us help you reclaim peace and resilience and have a healthier, happier you.