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Relaxation Techniques

Today, we are more stressed-out than ever before. The stress of careers, deadlines, conflicts, and demands on our time and money, take a huge toll on our health and well-being. Just as a chain tends to break at its weakest link, we seem to exhibit stress and strain in the weakest areas of our bodies. Stress basically comes in three forms of overload. We encounter physical stress, emotional stress, and chemical stress. In fact, we are subject to all three stress factors at the same time. When we overload, it always manifests in symptoms at our weakest link. Stress can provoke ulcers, migraines, low back pain, insomnia, and other illnesses.

It is impossible to remove all of the stress from life, however, safe all-natural and effective stress reduction strategies can help offset the bad effects that stress produces. This strengthens the function of the nervous and immune systems at the same time, so you can make stress your friend, not your enemy. After decades of research, it is clear that the negative effects associated with stress are real. Although you may not always be able to avoid stressful situations, there are a number of things that you can do to reduce the effect that stress has on your body. The first is relaxation. Learning to relax doesn't have to be difficult. In this section are some simple techniques to help get you started on your way to tranquility.

  • Muscle Relaxation

    The goal of progressive muscle relaxation is to reduce the tension in your muscles. First, find a quiet place where you'll be free from interruption. Loosen tight clothing and remove your glasses or contacts if you'd like. Tense each muscle group for at least five seconds and then relax for at least

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  • Control Your Breathing

    Relaxed breathing, also called diaphragmatic breathing, can help you relieve stress. Have you ever noticed how you breathe when you're stressed? Stress typically causes rapid, shallow breathing. This kind of breathing sustains other aspects of the stress response, such as rapid heart rate and perspiration.

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  • Find Your Mantra

    To find your mantra you can go to a peaceful place, sit in a comfortable position, and focus on a word or phrase that you find relaxing. Autogenic means something that comes from within you. During this type of relaxation, you repeat words or suggestions in your mind to help you relax and reduce the

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  • Soothing Sounds

    To rest your mind and take a visual journey to a peaceful place, consider listening to soothing sounds. If you have about ten minutes and a quiet room, you can take a mental vacation almost anytime with soothing sounds. Consider music such as relaxation CDs or internet radio stations to help you unwind.

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    Joan Kim-Wagner
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    Dr. Joan Kim-Wagner, L.Ac, Ph.D is a third generation acupuncturist whose family instilled in her the dictate to, “Help others with love and holistic guidance.” Dr. Kim-Wagner earned her Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Dong-Guk University in Los Angeles. She earned her Ph.D. in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Yuin University in Southern California. She is a board certified acupuncturist in the state of California, where she has been in private practice since 2003 and is nationally certified through the NCCA. She continues to revolutionize the field of acupuncture and increase her own knowledge through ongoing study with numerous acupuncturist Masters from around the world.

Los AngelesTop-Rated Acupuncturist, Doctor Joan Kim Wagner PhD, LAc

5 Star Reviews of Evergreen Acupuncture & Wellness Center

  • "I originally went to Dr. Joan Kim-Wagner for chronic neck pain. I have to say I was quite skeptical, but also desperate to get relief and nothing else was working.She is extremely knowledgeable about the human body and has fixed every complaint I have brought to her attention. That was over a year ago. Since then less than a few weeks into being treated 3 times a week I had gone from chronic pain taking 3 medications to minimal or no pain and occasionally one medication. She has also been managing my blood pressure for which I was taking 3 different medications, now down to two. The idea is to get off of all meds completely. My weight and physical condition has improved tremendously. I only visit once a week now."
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  • "The best acupuncture facility I've been in. The staff is very helpful and friendly. I like that Dr. Kim takes the time to explain the process before you go through with your treatment."
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    QUINCY A. SANTA BARBARA, CA
  • "I started going to Evergreen Acupuncture about 4 weeks ago. I had a really bad shoulder pain that ran through my Arm down to my fingers. Dr.Kim spent time and carefully diagnosed my symptoms and explained exactly what she was going to do to turn things around. The truth is that acupuncture is one of the steps toward turning on the healing process and with her advice on my diet and my daily routine, together we solved my shoulder pain and now I am feeling better.Her staff are amazing and very professional and super accommodating.They all work as a team to make you feel comfortable and welcomed each time they see you. I am looking forward to feeling even better as I continue to work with Evergreen Acupuncture."
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    Depression & Anxiety Patient, LOS ANGELES, CA
  • "Over the years I have visited Dr. Kim for my chronic stiff neck and shoulders. She was able to help me to move freely. I have also had the face lift acupuncture treatment which did wonders. While I was training for the LA marathon for some reason my ankle began to swell up. I hadn't fallen or out right injured it but it didn't look good. I visited Dr. Kim and immediately felt better. Dr. Kim has a calm bedside manner and has always made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I highly recommend her."
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