In the western society, we are seeing an increased prevalence of mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression and overall stress and anxiety is becoming a normal part of our everyday lives.
It is important to realize anxiety and depression manifest in both mental and physical symptoms and can be a leading cause for chronic pain, disability and poor quality of life.
Although various medications have been designed to combat anxiety, alternative management strategies exist that have had positive outcomes in the treatment of anxiety such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy aka CBT (Offered through Clinical Counselling) as well as acupuncture through the use of needles based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) standards.
We are seeing that more patients prefer to stay off medications and are utilizing complementary and alternative medicine such as yoga, acupuncture, improved nutrition and sleep to help with their anxiety as they can not tolerate the side effects of the medications.
How Acupuncture for Anxiety Works
Acupuncture is based on stimulation of our feel good and calming acupoints. It also works by reducing cortisol levels (stress hormone) and creating an overall sense of calmness in the body through stimulation of our parasympathetic nervous system.
For example, there are acupoints that are targeted for calming the mind, refreshing the brain and opening orifices, soothing liver and spleen.
Stimulation of the appropriate acupoints has a neuro mechanism that affects our biochemical markers involved in neuro signals that are activated when we suffer from anxiety and depression.
What Are the Benefits?
Numerous studies have investigated the power of acupuncture for anxiety and the results have consistently shown the positive effect of the procedure for treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Reducing Our Body’s Stress Response through Downregulation of Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemicals within our brain that allow our brain and nerve cells to communicate with each other.
Different neurotransmitters carry different massages. Anxiety acupuncture helps in regulation of the release of stress inducing neurotransmitters and can help reduce our body’s overall stress response.
Stimulation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System
We have a sympathetic nervous system (fight or fly) and a parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest).
The parasympathetic system is the one responsible for keeping our stress levels low and helping us regulate emotions and reach a state of calmness.
Stimulation of this system helps in reducing general anxiety disorder thoughts and feelings and relaxes our whole body.
Regulation of the Release of the Inflammatory Markers Associated with Stress Response
When our body is under stress, our immune system and cells increase their output of inflammatory markers to trigger a stress response. This is so that our body can be fully on guard to respond to a stressful situation.
However, in GAD, the stress response is altered and it is triggered without the presence of thread.
Acupuncture for depression and anxiety can help downregulate the stress signal and help in regulation of the release of inflammatory markers.
Are There Any Risks?
Acupuncture is an extremely safe and conservative modality of choice and bears minimal risks. There are cases of individuals that may be fearful of needles, it is possible to use cupping therapy and manual therapy to stimulate the same critical points.
In very rare cases, since acupuncture does puncture the skin, there may be a risk of infection. However, this risk is nominal when you receive your treatment from a credible facility that uses sterile needles and alcohol pads to sanitize.
Is Acupuncture the Right Treatment for Depression and Anxiety?
In this article, we are discussing whether acupuncture is the best type for treatment of depression and anxiety. Based on research and scientific evidence, it is clear that acupuncture is a viable choice for treatment of this condition.
It is difficult to explain if one treatment is the right treatment for you. Everybody is different and the way their symptoms present varies.
In this article we aim to inform you of the benefits of acupuncture for anxiety and let you know that it can help with symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Below, we will also discuss alternative treatment options and offer our recommendation.
What Other Treatments Are Available for Anxiety?
Of course as described above, there is no one right treatment to treat mental health conditions. Other modalities that have also shown to be effective include use of prescription medication, CBT through clinical counseling and exercise therapy.
If you are suffering from anxiety and depression, it is advisable to contact your medical providers to assess the severity of the condition.
Based on our experience, patients respond well when they try a combination treatment and follow a prescribed treatment plan and stay consistent for the duration of that treatment plan.
For example, based on the severity of your symptoms, seeing a counselor in addition to receiving acupuncture treatment for depression as well as anxiety along with exercise will have superior results than if you were to do just one of the following.
What to Expect in Our Acupuncture Sessions for Anxiety?
During your initial 60 minute visit, our acupuncturist will sit with you, ask you relevant questions to understand your needs and primary concerns.
Based on your goals, they will suggest a treatment plan (for example 1x/week for 6 weeks) followed by a reassessment to ensure you are moving towards your desired goals.
They may also recommend additional therapy such as counseling, use of medication, dietary supplements or refer you to your general physician for consideration of prescribed medication if warranted.