Most people experience anxiety at some point in their lives. Anxiety is an important factor in survival, triggering the fight or flight response. However, when even the simplest tasks generate an anxious response, there is cause for concern.
Symptoms of anxiety range from constant worrying to debilitating panic attacks. It can cause an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and even dizziness and confusion.
Though certain medication may be useful to anxiety sufferers, many times, the reported side effects are disconcerting to the patient and they may seek alternative care instead.
Treating Anxiety with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) embraces a deep and inseparable connection between mind and body. Optimal health is based on a precise balance of energy between each organ in the body.
According to TCM, energy or chi travels along pathways throughout the body. When the body experiences pain, dysfunction, or disease it means that the pathways are encountering a blockage and chi can no longer pass through.
TCM utilizes acupuncture needles to create a state of profound relaxation which promotes rest and healing for the mind and body. The needles inserted into acupoints in the body stimulate the parasympathetic system which ultimately slows the heart rate and allows the body to relax. The blockage is then removed and energy can begin to flow through again.
How an Acupuncture Treatment Works
During an initial visit, the acupuncturist asks a series of questions to determine what kind of anxiety the patient suffers from. Each physical symptom paints a kind of picture which the acupuncturist uses to diagnose and treat the patient’s particular state of anxiety.
Depending on how the anxiety presents itself to the patient, the acupuncturist will determine which organ’s energy is being depleted. Then, needle points are painlessly inserted into corresponding locations in the body to stimulate and strengthen the energy of that organ.
Generally, a patient will experience immediate relief of acute symptoms during a treatment. Once a patient begins regular treatments, symptoms will lessen in frequency and severity.
The number of treatments necessary depends on the severity of anxiety and the how long the patient has suffered. When the patient does achieve an optimal state of mental and emotional health, either monthly or quarterly treatments will be required to maintain balance.
Acupuncture, Anxiety and Research
A study performed at Yale University School of Medicine and Yale-New Haven Hospital used three randomized treatment groups to test the efficacy of acupuncture. The results indicated that, “Analyzing anxiety levels using repeated-measures analysis of variance has demonstrated a significant difference between the three treatment groups.” The study concluded that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic anxiety disorders and can notably decrease anxiety levels.
Where to Seek Acupuncture Treatment
A good place to begin searching for treatment is through the following recognized and regulated schools of acupuncture and alternative medicine: The Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute, Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
With so many alternative treatments available, anxiety need not be tolerated in ones daily life. When a patient commits to routine acupuncture treatments, the world can once again be a stable and inviting place.
References:
Wang, Shu-ming. “Auricular acupuncture: a potential treatment for anxiety.” pubmed.gov 19 Oct 2009.
O’Brien, Paul J. “Easing Fear and Worry with Traditional Chinese Medicine.” meridian-acupuncture-clinic.com 15 Oct 2009
Pascual, Dr. James./i>TCM Acncture for Anxiety and Mood Disorders” vitalitymagazine.com 15 Oct 2009
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