As entrepreneurs, we all know the relentless stress and pressure that comes with chasing success. Striking a balance between ambition and well-being is crucial for productivity and personal growth. Over time, I adopted healing practices into my routine, including acupuncture — an ancient practice with a long history of promoting harmony and wellness.
With the demands of running my business while navigating life’s challenges, I sought a holistic approach to health, and that’s when I met Dr. Nathalie Cabrera, my acupuncturist and a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Cabrera utilizes acupuncture, cupping, electro-acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle modifications to enhance patient outcomes. Her expertise spans a wide range of health conditions, including muscular issues, pain, insomnia, stress, and even fertility treatments.
In this article, join me as we explore the profound benefits of acupuncture for entrepreneurs, guided by Dr. Cabrera’s expertise and advocacy of holistic healing. And if you like what you read, book a session and mention my article for 10% off. (I do not make any affiliate commissions if you use it.)
An Introduction to Acupuncture
Before we jump in, let’s start with a little history. Originating in China over 3,000 years ago, acupuncture is founded on the “ch’i” principle, the life force that flows through the body’s meridians. Acupuncturists stimulate and restore the body’s natural healing processes by delicately inserting fine needles into specific points along these pathways. Dr. Cabrera’s journey into acupuncture began with a transformative global health class during her college years, which ignited her passion for holistic medicine. With extensive training in India and Oregon, Dr. Cabrera has since honed her expertise in acupuncture.
What to Expect During a Session
Whenever I step into Dr. Cabrera’s tranquil acupuncture studio, I immediately feel a sense of calmness. After a warm welcome and a brief chat about my health concerns, Dr. Cabrera ensures that the session is tailored to my specific needs. I leave every session feeling renewed, but I wasn’t always receptive to the idea of acupuncture. I couldn’t shake my fear of needles for a long time and often questioned if it would be painful. If you still have reservations about acupuncture, here’s what you can expect from a typical session.
After a brief assessment of your needs, your acupuncturist will use ultra-thin, sterile acupuncture needles to gently insert into specific points along your body’s meridians. These strategic points, known as acupoints, are where “ch’i” exists, and their stimulation promotes the body’s natural healing process.
Will it hurt? The short answer is “no.” The needles’ sensation is often mild and more of a slight tingling or warmth. Once inserted, the needles harmonize the energy flow, releasing blockages to help you relax. As your session progresses, you may feel your body’s tension dissipate. With acupuncture, you’ll leave rejuvenated and ready to embrace your entrepreneurial journey with renewed energy.
The Benefits of Acupuncture for Entrepreneurs
Acupuncture presents a holistic solution to the challenges faced in the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurial life. To shed some light on its remarkable advantages, Dr. Cabrera shares some insights that uncover the restorative power of acupuncture and its potential to elevate our lives.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation
Managing stress is paramount for entrepreneurs. When I was first introduced to acupuncture, the initial benefit I received was peacefulness. Acupuncture requires stillness. As needles are inserted and work their magic, you’re obligated to remain in a steady position not to disrupt the energy flow or the precision placement of the needles. It forces me into a meditative state and permits me to slow down.
Dr. Cabrera affirms that acupuncture calms the central nervous system, facilitating relaxation and mental clarity. “Acupuncture helps reinstate equilibrium between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, fostering mindfulness and focus.”
Enhanced Immune System
Maintaining robust health is crucial for entrepreneurs who can’t afford to be sidelined by illness. The more we are stressed, the less we care for ourselves, and over time, that can have a big impact on our immune systems.
When I began my entrepreneurial journey, my “head down” approach led me to have bouts of burnout. Boundaryless work days and poor eating habits caused my health and sleep to decline. Introducing acupuncture became a reliable ally in boosting my immune system through increased blood flow. Dr. Cabrera explains, “Acupuncture needles trigger the release of red and white blood cells, fostering a cascade of healing that fortifies the immune system.” Better circulation means your body can function smoother as energy increases and antistress and anticancer immune function is triggered.
Improved Sleep and Digestion
Quality of sleep and proper digestion are foundational for peak performance. Entrepreneurs know that our dedication to building our businesses can overtake our lives. This is especially true when we are in transitional spaces. When I first set off to build Briogeo, I maintained my full-time career position at Goldman Sachs. The overlap meant working day and night to create the foundation of my new business to transition to a full-time entrepreneur more comfortably.
It’s normal to sacrifice our rest for our goals, but maintaining a healthy sleep pattern keeps us from battling brain fog, disruptions to our appetite and metabolism, and keeps our energy high enough to tackle our busy schedules.
Thankfully, acupuncture aids in regulating the “rest and digest” mode, leading to improved sleep and smoother digestion. Dr. Cabrera advises, “Hydration and a light snack before your session will support the balance of your nervous system, promoting better sleep and digestion.”
Emotional Balance and Mental Clarity
Entrepreneurship can be an emotionally demanding journey, necessitating mental clarity for sound decision-making. For me, leaving behind a successful career to pursue entrepreneurship was a deeply personal and emotional decision. Despite it being the right choice for me, it remained emotionally taxing. Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty felt overwhelming at times.
Acupuncture allowed me to cope with the ebb and flow of my emotions. It delves into the emotional realm, fostering emotional equilibrium and mindfulness. Dr. Cabrera emphasizes, “Acupuncture effectively supports treating anxiety and depression, providing emotional resilience during the entrepreneurial journey.”
Support for Fertility and Hormonal Balance
Entrepreneurs often face the unique challenge of balancing work and family planning. Outside of family planning, hormonal imbalances can impact menstrual cycles, moods, and symptoms of PMS — aspects of your physical and emotional well-being that can make navigating the demands of entrepreneurship that much harder.
Acupuncture’s holistic approach extends to fertility treatments and hormonal equilibrium, catering to women’s health concerns. Dr. Cabrera assures, “Acupuncture treatments can regulate menstrual cycles and provide comprehensive support on the path to pregnancy.”
Acupuncture Is a Tool
In our relentless pursuit of entrepreneurial success, we shouldn’t overlook the significance of holistic well-being. Acupuncture presents a promising avenue for finding balance amidst the demands of entrepreneurship. The profound benefits that this ancient practice can give our lives is more than enough reason to add this wellness tool to our self-care arsenals. Embracing the power of acupuncture is an investment in our wellness, elevating ourselves as poised, balanced, and flourishing entrepreneurs.
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