Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. Anxiety is an emotional response to stress where you may feel fearful, worried, or apprehensive about something. Some people have mild cases associated with an activity, like public speaking. Others may have more severe anxiety that can prevent them from doing the things they normally do, such as going to the gym, completing work tasks, or even enjoying their hobbies.
Acupuncture is an excellent alternative for people dealing with anxiety. It has been used for centuries as a Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments. Acupuncture is an effective modality for treating anxiety as it helps to reduce stress levels, balance hormones, and regulate the part of the brain that is responsible for certain emotions and behavioral traits.
How does acupuncture work for anxiety and depression?
In ancient Chinese medicine, the energy called Qi (the chemical reactions that constantly fire throughout our bodies) regulate the overall health of the body, moving through pathways called meridians. If Qi’s flow is disturbed or blocked in any way (for example due to injury, poor eating habits/nutrition, stress, or any other discomfort), that’s when the body begins to suffer. The insertion of needles in specific points throughout the body is the way of restoring Qi’s balance, therefore promoting better health and relief.
Here are some benefits:
- Reduces the stress hormones like cortisol
- Increases levels of serotonin, the happy hormone
- Regulates the autonomic nervous system
- Calm the mind and promotes relaxation
Some research has shown that acupuncture can give excellent results, often working within only one or two sessions of 60 or 90 minutes.
If you’re looking for a holistic and alternative intervention to improve your health, at Healflow we offer a variety of acupuncture treatments performed by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.ac). Book your session here!
