Acupuncture for Anxiety
Acupuncture for Anxiety
Anxiety is a mental health condition that affects millions of people in the United States. While there are many treatments available, some people are turning to acupuncture as a way to manage their anxiety. Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, and research shows that it may be an effective treatment for anxiety. If you're interested in trying acupuncture for anxiety, be sure to talk to your doctor to see if it's right for you.
What is anxiety disorder and what are the symptoms?
Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear. These feelings can be so severe that they interfere with daily activities.
Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that can cause a range of symptoms, including:
• Feeling tense or stressed
• Having trouble sleeping
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart palpitations
• Feeling irritable or angry
• Having problems concentrating
• Experiencing rapid heart rate
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Experiencing shortness of breath
• Sweating
Anxiety can be mild, moderate, or severe, and it can be short-term or long-term. Anxiety can also be a symptom of other mental health conditions, such as depression.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture treatment is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the nervous system and release chemicals in the brain that help to reduce pain and stress.
Acupuncture treatment has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including:
• Pain
• Digestive problems
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Arthritis
The benefits of acupuncture for anxiety
Acupuncture therapy has many benefits for dealing with anxiety disorders. Acupuncture can:
• Help to relieve chronic stress/stress hormone and tension: Acupuncture can help to release the body's natural stress-relieving hormones, such as endorphins and serotonin.
• Improve sleep: Anxiety can often cause insomnia. Acupuncture can help to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
• Boost energy levels: Fatigue is a common symptom of anxiety. Acupuncture can help to increase energy levels and improve overall fatigue.
• Improve digestion: Anxiety can often cause digestive issues. Acupuncture can help to improve digestion by stimulating the digestive system.
• Boost the immune system: Anxiety can often weaken the immune system. Acupuncture can help to boost the immune system by encouraging the production of white blood cells and antibodies.
• Decrease heart rate and blood pressure: Anxiety can often increase heart rate and blood pressure. Acupuncture can help to decrease heart rate and blood pressure by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Acupuncture therapy is an increasingly popular treatment for anxiety, and has many beneficial effects. While the research is still ongoing, early results show that acupuncture may be an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms without the use of medication. If you're interested in trying acupuncture for anxiety, be sure to talk to your doctor first to see if it's right for you.
How to find an acupuncturist for anxiety treatment
Anxiety can be a difficult condition to live with, but there are treatments available that can help. If you're interested in trying acupuncture for anxiety treatment, it's important to find a qualified acupuncturist if you're in a stressful situation
When looking for an acupuncturist, it's important to:
• Check that they are licensed: All acupuncturists should be licensed by the state in which they practice.
• Ask about their experience: Make sure to ask about an acupuncturist's experience in treating anxiety.
• Ask for referrals: Ask your doctor or other mental health professionals for referrals to qualified acupuncturists.
• Do a personality check: It's important to find an acupuncturist that you feel comfortable with. Make sure to choose someone that you feel you can trust and open up to.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for anxiety. However, it's important to find a qualified acupuncturist to ensure the best possible results.
Is acupuncture safe to do?
Acupuncture is considered a safe treatment when performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist. The risk of serious side effects from acupuncture is low. However, there is a small risk if dealing with an inexperienced or unlicensed acupuncturist.
The most common side effect of acupuncture is soreness or bruising at the needle site. Other less common side effects include:
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Swelling
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
If you are considering acupuncture for anxiety, be sure to talk to your doctor first to see if it's right for you. Only a trained and licensed acupuncturist should perform this treatment. If you would like to learn more about acupuncture safety, click here.
What to expect from your first acupuncture appointment for anxiety (The initial interview)
During an initial acupuncture session at Big Island Oriental Medicine, we'll conduct a very detailed intake on each patient. Some of the questions will be rather ordinary, but others may seem unusual, or unrelated to the patient's condition.
However, the TCM interview is meant to look at the patient from a broad standpoint to give hints as to why a condition developed or is persisting despite seeing other more conventional doctors. In TCM, we believe that people are whole beings, not just collections of parts. Our experience has shown us that the specifics of how individuals' bodies react to their diet, work, leisure, stress, physical activity, external environment, and spiritual life all provide valuable information as to why they are having medical problems.
We'll do a thorough physical exam on each patient, including western vitals signs and TCM vital signs (TCM pulse and tongue examination), as well as an orthopedic evaluation if necessary.
During the interview and examination, we're constantly looking for early-stage medical red flags that may indicate a need to see another healthcare specialist. Here is a little more information on what happens during acupuncture treatment.
The process of receiving acupuncture (After the Initial Interview)
Once the interview is over and we've had a chance to do our physical examination, we'll have a pretty good idea of what's going on with the patient. We'll develop a customized treatment plan that is based on the individual's specific condition.
Next, the patient will lie down on a comfortable acupuncture table, and we'll insert the needles. The number of needles used will be based on the individual's condition.
The needles that we used are sterilized, single-use, in sealed individual packets that are opened in front of the patient. Following the acupuncture session, the needles are discarded.
Once the needles are in place, the patient will remain to lie down for 30-45 minutes to allow the treatment to take effect.
Are acupuncture needles big?
Acupuncture needles are very thin, much thinner than a human hair. We make sure to use the highest quality needles to minimize any discomfort during the treatment.
Does an Acupuncture Session hurt?
Most patients feel no pain when the needles are inserted. Once the needles are in place, some patients may feel a heaviness or tingling sensation. This is part of the normal healing process and is a sign that the treatment is working. Many compare acupuncture to a momentary mosquito bite.
After the needles have been inserted, patients typically feel relaxed and may even fall asleep. We'll also be communicating with you throughout the treatment to make sure you're comfortable.
After the session
After the acupuncture session, we'll slowly remove the needles. We'll also provide lifestyle and diet recommendations to help support the healing process.
It's important to drink plenty of water after an acupuncture session to help flush out any toxins that may have been released during the treatment.
Patients should avoid alcohol and greasy foods for at least 24 hours after acupuncture as these can interfere with the effects of the treatment.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for anxiety, but it's important to find a qualified acupuncturist to ensure the best possible results. Big Island Oriental Medicine has a team of highly trained and experienced acupuncturists who can help you achieve your wellness goals.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed will vary from person to person, depending on the individual's condition. In general, acute conditions will require fewer treatments than chronic conditions.
A course of treatment is typically 10-12 sessions, although some patients may see results after just a few treatments. We recommend coming in for 1-2 treatments per week until the condition has resolved.
Maintenance treatments (1-4 times/month) may be needed to prevent the condition from recurring.
What can I expect after treatment?
Most patients feel relaxed and have an increased sense of well-being after acupuncture. Some may experience what is known as the "acupuncture high", which is a sense of euphoria or calm. This is perfectly normal and is a sign that the treatment is working.
It's important to remember that acupuncture is a slow and gradual process, and results are not always immediate. It may take several treatments before seeing any changes, but it's important to stick with the treatment plan to achieve the best possible results. Acupuncture for Anxiety - Big Island Oriental Medicine
Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to treat anxiety, and Big Island Oriental Medicine is one of the best places to get treatment. Our team of highly skilled and experienced acupuncturists can help you achieve your wellness goals and reduce your anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety is something that affects many people, and acupuncture is an increasingly popular treatment option. If you're interested in trying acupuncture for anxiety, be sure to talk to your doctor first to see if it's right for you. Then, if you are in the area, make an appointment with us at Big Island Oriental Medicine. We'll be happy to help you achieve a state of calm and wellness.