Acupuncture for Stress & Anxiety

8 Ways Acupuncture Can Ease Stress and Anxiety

For many people, stress has become a regular part of daily living. While it is not a healthy state of mind to constantly be in, it can provide a warning for problematic situations. Some people find that stress helps motivate them to work hard and stay alert, however, living in a constant state of stress is not good for your health.

Unmanageable amounts of stress can make you feel sick, unhappy and in a constant state of anxiety. High amounts of stress over time can damage your organs, impair the immune system and cause serious health issues. Some people are turning to acupuncture to help improve their stress and anxiety.

1. Acupuncture Is Straightforward

Your first appointment will begin with a well-trained acupuncturist asking about your health history. The acupuncturist will then perform an examination and prepare a treatment plan. Each treatment involves the acupuncturist checking and stimulating specific acupoints throughout the body. The needles are small and gently placed causing minimal pain and discomfort. Once they are placed, the needles will remain in place for about 30 minutes before they are removed

2. Acupressure Points

There are nine acupressure points located throughout the body. While each point has a primary purpose, they each help ensure a steady flow of energy, reduced tension and improved overall health.

• Three Mile Point - near the kneecap and above the feet
• Great Rushing - between the second toe and thumb in the webbing of feet
• Grandfather-Grandson - in the feet just at the base of big toe
• Inner Gate - located near the pulse of the hands
• Outer Gate - located on the exact other side of the inner gate point
• Union Valley - located in the webbing between index finger and thumb
• Central Treasury - adjacent to armpit
• Will’s Chamber - near the backbone
• Shoulder Well - on the ridge of the shoulder

3. Every Patient Is Unique

Acupuncture treatment is available for most patients and helps to reduce stress and anxiety. The acupuncturist will develop a treatment plan specific to each individual patient. Acupuncturists consider the body and mind to be connected. As such, the treatment is developed to treat the individual in a holistic manner. Treatments are often done alongside the use of other improvements such as breathing techniques, mindfulness, diet modifications and exercise.

4. Balanced Nervous System

A meta-analysis study found that the heart rate variability (HRV) scores were improved when incorporating acupuncture treatment. The dosage or amount of acupuncture used in treatment is critical to ensure patients are able to achieve optimal results. It is also important to consider the frequency and duration of treatment.

5. Energy

Acupuncture can help reduce stress and increase energy levels. Acupuncture uses strategic points throughout the body to boost energy levels.

6. Acupuncture Is Relaxing

Many patients who complete acupuncture treatment find it is helpful in relieving stress and anxiety. Some patients even fall asleep while undergoing treatment. Acupuncture is viewed as harmonizing Qi in Chinese medicine which restores the patient’s balance and well-being.

7. Drug-Free Treatment

Acupuncture offers an effective and drug-free solution for pain and other conditions. Doctors often prescribe anti-depressant medication for treating stress and anxiety. These medications often involve negative side effects. Acupuncture can provide relief without the side effects.

8. Healing Result

Treatment time varies for each patient and also depends on the severity of symptoms. Most patients report some level of relief following a single acupuncture session.