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Stress, Anxiety & Depression

Acupuncture for anxiety | Acupuncture for depression | Acupuncture for insomnia


Acupuncture for anxiety

Anxiety can trigger a variety of responses in the human body, from physical responses such as sweating, nausea, diarrhoea, palpitations and shortness of breath to emotional responses such as; irritability, fear and poor concentration, as well as behavioural and cognitive responses.

Conventional treatment for anxiety disorders include psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and applied relaxation, and medication such as some antidepressants and benzodiazepines (NICE, 2007). All drug treatments have side effects, and many may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Acupuncture is thought to act on areas of the brain in charge with reducing sensitivity to pain and stress, hence promoting the relaxation response. Acupuncture is able to help regulate hormones and neurotransmitters that are known to affect our mood and well-being, such as endorphins, serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine.  

For a fuller explaination of how acupuncture may work for anxiety and a look at the current evidence; go here https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/present-research/acupuncture-anxiety/

Acupuncture can be also used safely and effectively in conjunction with other treatment options. That means you don’t need to come off any existing medications before beginning treatment. 

More reading:
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (2007): Anxiety: Management of anxiety (panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, and generalised anxiety disorder) in adults in primary, secondary and community care.

Acupuncture for depression

At one time or another, many of us will have experienced some form of depression. Feeling miserable or overwhelmed in response to difficult situations is normal. When we are balanced, physically and emotionally, we can easily come back from a depressed state and move on with our lives.  When these feelings of unhappiness are intense and persistent - and they don’t go away even when things improve - this could be depression.

More reading:
depression.org.nz: One in six New Zealanders will experience serious depression, at some time in their life.

Studies show that acupuncture can help regulate the brain’s chemistry, increasing the levels of “feel-good” hormones called endorphins and serotonin.  Studies indicate that acupuncture is as effective as counselling and medication on the treatment of depression and can be used safely and effectively in conjunction with other treatment options.  Zhang Z.J. et al (2010). “The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture therapy in depressive disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of Affective Disorders,124 (1-2)9-21