Acupuncture for Anxiety

Many people use acupuncture for anxiety as either an alternative, or to compliment conventional approaches when managing their emotional health. This ancient practice, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, offers a unique and holistic perspective on alleviating anxiety symptoms.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety encompasses a range of feelings, from occasional unease to intense worry and fear. At its core, anxiety is the body’s natural response to perceived threats or stressors, triggering a complex interplay of physiological and psychological reactions. These reactions are commonly referred to as the “fight-or-flight” response, characterised by increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and heightened alertness.

While anxiety can serve as a helpful warning system in dangerous situations, it can become problematic when it occurs excessively or inappropriately, leading to anxiety disorders. These disorders can manifest in various forms, such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or specific phobias.

Understanding the nuances of anxiety is a crucial step in effectively managing it, whether through conventional approaches, alternative therapies like acupuncture, or a combination of both. Acupuncture can offer relief for those grappling with anxiety’s challenges, providing a holistic perspective on anxiety management.

Anxiety statistics

Six percent of people in the UK have some kind of anxiety disorder. The condition affects young women the most, although it can affect anyone at any time in their life. Anxiety often presents with other conditions such as depression and 20% of sufferers use alcohol and other substances to cope.

Anxiety can also affect us at specific times in our lives, especially during transitions such as during the teenage years and during menopause. We might also experience because of our lifestyle habits such as drinking too much. It often affects women in the lead up and during their period.

Anxiety symptoms

These are wide ranging but can include muscle or jaw tension, restlessness, poor sleep, and palpitations. You might also experience racing thoughts, worries about your health, catastrophising and compulsive behaviours. You may experience changes in your appetite and digestion.

How does Chinese medicine understand anxiety?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), our understanding of anxiety and its impact on the body is deeply rooted in the concept of balance and the flow of vital energy, known as “Qi”.

Anxiety is seen as an imbalance in the flow of qi and disruptions in the harmony of the body’s organ systems, particularly the Heart and Kidney. The Heart governs the Shen (mind and spirit), and imbalances can manifest as palpitations, insomnia, and emotional unrest. The Kidney, responsible for storing the essence of life, plays a role in resilience to stress.

Can acupuncture help anxiety?

Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to managing anxiety by targeting both the physical and mental aspects of this common condition. When fine needles are delicately inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body, a cascade of physiological responses is triggered.

One of the key mechanisms involves the stimulation of the nervous system, particularly the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. This activation promotes relaxation and reduces the “fight or flight” response associated with stress, effectively lowering cortisol levels, a stress hormone. Additionally, acupuncture encourages the release of endorphins and other natural painkillers, which not only alleviate physical discomfort but also elevate mood, creating an overall sense of calm and well-being. The personalised and holistic nature of acupuncture treatment accounts for its ability to address the root causes of anxiety, offering individuals a path to sustainable relief and improved emotional resilience.

After each session with Katy my sleep is better and my anxiety is reduced.

What does the science say?

Scientific research into the effectiveness of acupuncture for anxiety has yielded promising results. Numerous studies have documented the positive impact of acupuncture on the body’s stress response mechanisms. Moreover, studies using brain imaging techniques such as fMRI have shown that acupuncture can modulate the activity of brain regions associated with stress and anxiety regulation. A meta-analysis of clinical trials has also indicated that acupuncture can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety when compared to control groups.

Want to try it for yourself? Then why not book in for a free consultation to see if acupuncture can help with your mental well-being.