For those suffering from anxiety, life can be a daily struggle that affects every aspect of the day, including waking up, getting ready, and being productive at work. As modern-day living has become busier, anxiety has become more prevalent, affecting 40 million adults in the U.S. It can be caused by many factors and its roots vary from person to person. Symptoms may include:
- Muscle tension and trembling
- Feeling restless or on edge
- Fast heartbeat and fast or troubled breathing
- Upset stomach
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headache
- Fatigue, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that health is dependent on Qi (energy). In good health, Qi moves in a balanced and smooth way through a chain of 14 main channels throughout the body. Anxiety, stress, anger, or any intense emotion acts like a “traffic jam”, blocking the flow of energy in the body. For example, many people experiencing anxiety complain of upper back, shoulder, and neck pain. This is because stress and anxiety is causing tensions in those areas and blocking the free flow of energy. The result is pain, tightness, and headaches.
By inserting needles in the acupuncture points at specific locations, we stimulate the body’s energy to start the healing process and restore its natural balance. Acupuncture points help energy flow smoothly and help alleviate anxiety by releasing natural pain-killing chemicals in the brain. The calming nature of acupuncture also lowers blood pressure, relaxes the muscles, and decreases the heart rate. Unlike other methods of treatment, people treated with acupuncture often see results after one session and the results improve with continued treatment. According to one study published online in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, participants who underwent acupuncture for anxiety saw improvements after just one 20-minutes session. It can be particularly helpful for those who want to limit or stop prescription drug use to treat anxiety. Acupuncture regulates the body’s chemical balance naturally and may prevent some people from needing medication at all. Whether you’re currently receiving treatment for anxiety or are ready to take your first steps towards alleviating your symptoms, acupuncture is an ideal treatment. Depending on the person, acupuncture alone may work. For others, a combination of therapy, acupuncture, and medication may be best. Treatment of anxiety is one of my specialties as an acupuncturist and I look forward to helping you on your journey. Contact Brad Hill Wellness at 301-639-9759 to schedule a consultation.
