Acupuncture for Anxiety

Symptoms of Anxiety

•    Physical – a heart beat that is irregular
•    Cognitive – a mind that is full of negative or depressive thoughts
•    Behavioral – an attitude that shows aggressiveness and restlessness
•    Emotional – a fearful state of mind
•  

Anxiety Disorders

•    Panic disorder
•    Social anxiety disorder
•    Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
•    Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
•    Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

How Does Acupuncture Work

Acupuncture controls anxiety by treating the part of the brain that controls emotions. Unlike with drug-based treatments, acupuncture has fewer side effects.  It also works more rapidly and facilitates the body to heal itself.

Depression and Acupuncture

Depression is a widespread mental health crisis that influences people of all ages.  Almost 65% of adults will encounter depression at some time in their life.

We understand that every one of us occasionally experiences low mood, but this emotion commonly passes after a few days.  With a person who has depression, it can become chronic to the point that it already interferes with his or her daily life.

Depression can be caused by environmental and psychological factors or triggered by stressful events, such as illness, mourning, financial difficulties, or relational problems.

How Effective is Acupuncture

A recent study on women found that acupuncture is an effective means of relieving anxiety.  Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and releases the chemicals in the brain that affect happiness. The chemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, which maintain the body temperature, blood pressure, and glucose or sugar concentration.  These mechanisms should be well-maintained to promote physical and emotional well-being, as well as joy, peace, and comfort.

Stimulating certain points affects the areas of the brain that reduce sensitivity to pain and stress.  It also promotes relaxation in the body and deactivates the logical and analytical brain or what they call, left brain, which is responsible for worry and anxiety.

Also, acupuncture can help treat physical illnesses such as chronic pain, which can cause risk for depression.  In addition to the therapy itself, acupuncturists will often make suggestions for diet and lifestyle changes that are useful in overcoming depression. For those struggling with depression, acupuncture can be a great alternative treatment.

In conclusion, if you are having difficulty finding an ease of your anxiety and depression, visit Beyond Wellness Chiropractic today to learn more about acupuncture.