Acupuncture for Anxiety & Stress Reduction
I am always amazed by the long list of varied and sometimes complex conditions for which patients seek acupuncture. I am equally amazed by the one common complaint present in everyone’s life: high stress levels.
In many cases, patients no longer need to continue treatment for their initial complaint. However, they decide to continue with acupuncture because they experience a deep sense of well-being and less anxiety despite everyday stress.
What does research say about acupuncture and stress reduction?
According to research, acupuncture is effective for the treatment of many mental health concerns, particularly stress and anxiety disorders. Across the globe, studies estimate that approximately one to thirty percent of the world’s population experiences anxiety. As a result, anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders are some of the most common reasons for health care visits.
How does acupuncture work to treat stress or anxiety?
The best way to understand how acupuncture works is to understand the stress response in our bodies. Stress triggers a series of chemical reactions and physical changes. This includes the release of neurohormones, including cortisol from the adrenal cortex and adrenaline from the adrenal medulla.
This process is how our sympathetic nervous system or “fight or flight” mechanisms respond to everyday stresses. A fight or flight response can be helpful in certain moments. The immune system mounts this type of response in defense against a virus or bacteria. However, chronic and excessive stress responses result in pathological changes in the body.
Acupuncture causes the release of beta-endorphins which has a calming effect on the nervous system. Similar to meditation, it reinforces the parasympathetic part of the nervous system otherwise known as your “rested and relaxed” state.
Can acupuncture help with other symptoms associated with anxiety and stress?
Chronic stress leads to increased heart and breathing rates, hyperglycemia, increased blood pressure, and muscle tension. Eventually stress can cause mental strain, anxiety, palpitations, and even pain. The body can somatize stress in the form of headaches, backaches, skin disorders, or gastrointestinal disorders.
Acupuncture is unique in the treatment of stress and anxiety as its effects are long-lasting. We know that acupuncture decreases heart rates, lowers blood pressure, decreases pain levels, and improves sleep quality. Over a period of time, your body’s ability to respond to stress becomes more efficient leading to less fatigue, less body aches, and improved immunity.
Will I need to continue with acupuncture treatments once my symptoms improve?
Acupuncture is one of the most effective tools to help your nervous system regain its balance. By regulating the nervous system, acupuncture can reverse the effects of chronic stress. Most clients find that they maintain their new sense of calm without ongoing treatment.
Many clients choose to schedule an occasional follow-up session because of the deep relaxation they experience during the acupuncture treatment. Patients also find acupuncture to be a powerful remedy when combined with other lifestyle modifications including nutritional counseling, exercise, and meditation.
If you enjoyed this post, you may be interested in the How to Start a Meditation & Mindfulness Practice or 10 Healthy Habits to Reduce Stress & Anxiety.
More About OMBE
OMBE is celebrating 15 years of service in Massachusetts! Additionally, we are now scheduling in-person acupuncture sessions for our South Shore and Cape Cod clients. Telehealth consultations are available for all of our Massachusetts clients living in the Boston area, North Shore, and Western Massachusetts.
Learn more about us, read our organic health philosophy, or schedule an appointment. Contact us for any questions about appointment scheduling, acupuncture services, or integrative medicine. We look forward to hearing from you!