Acupuncture is a therapy that has its origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is currently being widely used in the contemporary healthcare system as a technique that could be useful in the treatment of various diseases including anxiety. This guide will explore what Acupuncture for anxiety is, its usefulness in managing anxiety, the scientific research behind it, and things to anticipate during the process of acupuncture.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture for anxiety can be defined as a therapeutic process in which thin needles are penetrated certain areas, or points, referred to as acupoints. TCM states that these points are located at channels referred to as meridians, and they are claimed to channel Qi or vital energy. The belief or concept is that if Qi flow is disrupted there is illness and acupuncture is the process of correcting this condition.
The Relationship Between Acupuncture and Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the mental disorders that involves overwhelming worry, fear, and nervousness that is not proportional to the situation. It can present in different ways and can be diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, or other related conditions. Some of the older approaches involve going to a therapist, receiving prescriptions from a doctor, or, in some cases, doing both simultaneously. Acupuncture for anxiety as an approach is different and could complement or be another option.
How Acupuncture May Help with Anxiety:
Balancing Neurotransmitters: Some earlier ideas of Acupuncture for anxiety include a capacity to touch the underlying nervous system and thereby change neurochemistry through actions on serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters related to mood.
Regulating the Autonomic Nervous System: Acupuncture can be beneficial in modulating a series of physiological processes and regulating the sympathetic nervous system to decrease the signal of a ‘fight-or-flight’ stress response.
Stress Hormone Reduction: According to some earlier research, acupuncture helps in decreasing total cortisol concentration, a hormone regarded as a stress hormone.
Improving Sleep: It is also important to point out that the disorders that are not linked to acupoints, but which may be contributing to anxiety, such as sleeping disorders, can be treated with acupuncture, and, therefore, anxiety symptoms are eliminated indirectly.
The Process and Things to Look for During Acupuncture
Initial Consultation: This assessment will involve discussion by the practitioner about their medical history, symptoms, and the issue of lifestyle. They may also look at the tongue and check the pulse and these are some of the diagnostic techniques that are used in TCM.
Treatment Plan: While taking Acupuncture for anxiety this involves a specific choice of acupoints that are associated with anxiety and overall health.
Needle Insertion: Needles that are sterile and disposable will be then placed at the particular acupoints that have been pinpointed. They complain of mild soreness more akin to numbness with some complaining of occasional mild pain.
Relaxation Period: The needles are left in place in the patient for 20-40 minutes as the patient meditates. Other methods may be applied by some practitioners like moxibution (using smoldering herbs over the acupoints) or electro-acupuncture (applying a small electrical current to the inserted needles).
Follow-Up Sessions: It is usual to undergo several meetings and more frequently if the patient’s anxiety is chronic. Depending on their receptiveness to the treatment, the frequency of their attendance and the number of sessions they attend will vary.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While Acupuncture for anxiety is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner, potential risks include:
Soreness or Minor Bruising: This could lead to small swellings or pains at the bleb sites in some people for several days.
Infection: Sometimes, when sterilization is done, it may not be done properly, and this may result in infection. Also, make sure that your acupuncturist employs sterilized and one-use needles during treatment.
Dizziness or Fainting: Some persons may develop slight dizziness either during or after treatment is administered.
Finding a Qualified Practitioner
To avoid adverse results and to achieve the best results possible, go to a licensed acupuncturist at Highkey Balance who has been professionally trained to perform the practice. In many countries including the United States, practitioners must have a practice license and this can be acquired from recognized certification bodies like the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Conclusion
Highkey Balance’s Acupuncture appears to be an effective complementary or even an independent form of treatment for anxiety. These are some of the theories on how it works although further advanced research is required to pin down its exact functioning and also work as an antidote for a long-term cure, however, it is a remedy to so many people. Before taking acupuncture for anxiety, it is advisable to consult healthcare experts to identify the ideal course of therapy.