Causes of anxiety can be varied and complex. Traumatic events, genetic factors, health concerns and chronic pain can all play a part. Whilst anxiety can be a normal response to stress, it can be debilitating when symptoms persist long after the event or danger has passed.
Symptoms of anxiety may include hot and cold flushes, racing heart, rapid breathing, obsessive thinking, feelings of dread, sleep disturbance and avoidance behaviors (3).
A systematic review conducted in 2018 showed an overall decrease in anxiety symptoms in Acupuncture treatment groups, relative to control groups in all 13 studies (4). Findings showed Acupuncture to have a beneficial effect on heart rate variability and a calming effect on the body’s response of neuro-chemicals when under stress (5).
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anxiety centres around the concept of the ‘Shen’. In TCM, our physical, mental and emotional processes are seen as completely interconnected.
Whilst scientific studies will never quite capture the breadth of Acupuncture’s effects on the body’s Qi and blood according to TCM theory – they are nevertheless extremely valuable as a measure of physiological changes that can occur through the insertion of an acupuncture needle.
These findings show Acupuncture is well placed to be part of an integrated treatment plan and therefore, a sound referral option for anxiety sufferers (6),(7). I am hopeful that further research will go towards bridging the gap in understanding between this ancient healing modality and modern medicine.
During an Acupuncture consultation, a holistic approach is taken to carefully assess all factors. Treatment is very gentle and most patients will feel relaxed during and after a session. However, for those new to Acupuncture please feel free to reach out for more details.
**It is important that you let your primary health care practitioner know if you are planning to start any new treatments.
REFERENCES: 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22781489 2. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety 3. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/signs-and-symptoms 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29705474 5. https://europepmc.org/article/med/12624851 6.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24200100/ 7.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27355312/