Stress in Ethiopia has increased beyond executives and expatriates with demanding careers and is now affecting all socioeconomic groups, as I’ve observed in my acupuncture and holistic medicine practice. Today, economic and psychological burdens have left many people feeling overwhelmed and unable to relax, leading to widespread anxiety and chronic stress.
When unmanaged, this stress interacts with genetic risks to fuel non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including:
Type 2 diabetes.
Hypertension.
Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia.
Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
These conditions develop slowly; early lab abnormalities often go unnoticed until disease manifests.
Once Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) like hypertension or autoimmune disorders emerge, management becomes lifelong. Holistic medicine’s power lies in catching dysregulation early when dietary changes and acupuncture can still restore equilibrium.
In next month’s article, we will explore the dual nature of stress and when it becomes a cause for concern.
Contributed by Seble Alemu (DTCM)
Lic Ac, DTCM
Visit: acupunctureinaddis.com
This article is the second of a six-part series on Wellness contributed by Seble Alemu, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturist (DTCM, Lic. Ac.)