Can Acupuncture Help With Anxiety And Depression?
Millions of Americans suffer from anxiety and depression. Mental health is a serious concern in the US and there is still so much progress to be made as far as treatment goes. Common treatment options for depression and anxiety include different types of therapy and antidepressant medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs. Many people are turning to more natural types of treatments that have fewer side-effects. Acupuncture has been proven to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression in many patients. Using acupuncture on its own or in addition to other treatments can be a great option for people wanting to improve their mental health.
How does acupuncture help with anxiety and depression?
Acupuncture helps to relieve depression and anxiety in much the same way that it relieves physical pain. The energy source of the body, or what’s known as “qi” in Chinese medicine, flows through the body on energy channels known as “meridians.” When these energy channels become blocked or unbalanced, acupuncture can help to unblock energy, allowing it to flow freely. This energy affects both physical and mental function. Depression and anxiety are sometimes caused by an imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. Acupuncture can help to regulate these neurotransmitters, resulting in more emotional stability. Poor mental health can also be caused by other factors such as life circumstances and high levels of stress. Acupuncture can also alleviate stress because it causes an increase in the release of endorphin hormones which are known to decrease stress and improve one’s overall health and happiness.
Another reason acupuncture helps to regulate emotions is that it stimulates the nervous system and the immune system. The nervous system is a complex system that affects every aspect of our health- especially mental health. The nervous system affects everything from our mood, behaviors, and thought patterns to memory and body control. The nervous system and the immune system communicate with one another, working together to provide optimal health and function. Acupuncture stimulates the immune system, causing it to respond better to pain and sickness. The immune system is our body’s response to injury, sickness, and disease. It’s important to have a healthy, functioning immune system in order to achieve overall physical, mental, and emotional health.
What to expect during treatment
During an acupuncture session, several tiny filiform needles will be placed into certain points of the skin. These points will be determined by a licensed acupuncturist according to your specific needs. The needles are typically left in for 20-30 minutes before being removed. Your acupuncturist may recommend electroacupuncture. Electroacupuncture has been known to reduce psychiatric symptoms in patients suffering from depression and anxiety. During electroacupuncture, a machine is used that runs electrical currents through the acupuncture needles to enhance treatment.
In addition to acupuncture, your acupuncturist may also recommend other types of treatment such as dietary and lifestyle recommendations, herbal therapy, cupping, and gua sha. When it comes to mental health, a holistic approach is often needed in order to get the best results. It’s important to find an experienced acupuncturist that you trust to get started on your healing journey. If you are searching for an acupuncture clinic in the Las Vegas area, feel free to contact our office for more information.