As mental health issues have come to the forefront in recent years, many have sought more natural treatment options that don’t involve pharmaceuticals and their potentially harmful effects. Acupuncture has become a popular option for treating mental health issues, including depression. But does it work? Before we answer that question, let’s give a proper definition to both acupuncture and depression.

Acupuncture Defined 

Acupuncture can simply be defined as thin needles (the width of a human hair) inserted into specific parts of the body called “points” or “meridians.” Where the needles get inserted depends on the issue being treated. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (also known as TCM) it is taught that the body has a flow of energy or qi that regulates a person’s health. If this flow of energy is disrupted, illness can occur. Applying the acupuncture needles to these specific points can put the body back in balance and get the energy flowing as it should.

Depression Defined

WebMD defines depression as “an illness that involves constant feelings of sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure.” They also define additional symptoms as difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, lack of energy, suicidal thoughts, drastic changes to weight and appetite, irritability, difficulty concentrating, remembering things or even making decisions, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Depression is most often treated with medication or therapy or a combination of both. The disheartening thing is that, according to WebMD, “between 19 and 34% of people with depression don’t improve with these more traditional treatments.” This has led to more people looking for alternative treatments including acupuncture.

What the Research Says

There are many encouraging studies demonstrating great results for those suffering from feelings of anxiety and depression. A 2010 study stated that, “Depression and anxiety together constitute a significant contribution to the global burden of disease. Acupuncture is widely used for the treatment of anxiety and depression and its use is increasing. The theoretical basis for acupuncture diagnosis and treatment derives from traditional Chinese medicine theory.”

Studies have shown that the right “dose” of acupuncture was the key in helping patients see results and a reduction of the symptoms of stress and depression. A “dose” is defined as both the number of treatment sessions overall, as well as the number of acupuncture points addressed in each session. Studies have also shown that acupuncture can help to get heart rate variability back to an optimal range which can help improve issues with heart disease, hypertension, anxiety and depression, insomnia, migraines, and muscle pain. 

There is a cascade of health benefits that can come from regular acupuncture treatments and I can also recommend nutritional and dietary changes that can help get your energy back in balance. 

If you suffer from feelings of anxiety and depression, talk to me about developing an appropriate treatment plan. I will take a detailed health history and examination to determine the best course of action for YOU!

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While commonly connected to those who have served in the military, post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, can impact anyone who has suffered from violence or emotional trauma. The National Institute of Mental Health defines PTSD this way, “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to a potentially traumatic event that is beyond a typical stressor.” According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs approximately 12 million adults in the U.S. suffer from PTSD during a given year. 

Research has shown that acupuncture for PTSD reduces anxiety and stress levels. Acupuncture is also a great treatment option for those suffering from other health issues because of PTSD (i.e., insomnia, digestive issues, headaches, stress and anxiety, etc.). 

How it Works

Typically, acupuncture treatment for PTSD will focus on specific auricular points that target different areas of the brain. Some address the emotions, memories, or even amnesia. 

Perhaps a surprising reason acupuncture for PTSD is so popular is that it allows the person suffering from the trauma to receive help without having to go into detail about the cause of the trauma. While a full medical health history is taken, not having to relive the trauma helps patients to feel safe and perhaps a bit more relaxed.

PTSD is a complex condition. Each person with PTSD is different and can present with many symptoms including depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, chronic pain, and other mental health concerns, just to name a few. The good news is that acupuncture has a proven track record of success in treating these issues. 

Many people who suffer from PTSD also have insomnia or other sleep issues. Acupuncture has also been proven to increase serotonin levels which helps to improve sleep as well as mood. It’s an effective drug-free treatment without the side effects often caused by prescription medications. A study from 2015 found “chronic fatigue patients who were given acupuncture as a supplement to conventional treatment showed greater improvement over patients who did not receive acupuncture.”

Chronic pain is often another complaint of those with PTSD and it can be debilitating for those suffering from it as it directly impacts their quality of life. People often treat chronic pain with anti-inflammatory medications (both prescription and over the counter), physical therapy, or with ice and heat, but those options don’t always provide long lasting relief. Acupuncture is an excellent drug-free treatment option.

Whether you suffer from PTSD or any of the associated symptoms, or you’re looking to achieve better overall balance in your life, consistent acupuncture treatments just might be the solution you need.

Call today and get your wellness journey back on track! 

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The conversation around mental health has become much more prominent in recent years due in part to the pandemic. Depression, loneliness, and anxiety have all increased for many people especially in the last couple of years. Sometimes prescription medications are needed to deal with a particular mental health issue — but people are often looking for drug-free alternatives.

Acupuncture is a great option for those struggling with mental or emotional issues.

Just for depression alone, users of antidepressant prescription medications can experience some heavy side effects; and there are those who, despite the prescription, are not helped by the medication themselves. Acupuncture offers a holistic option to deal with depression and the underlying causes. 

Depression and anxiety can manifest in both physical and emotional symptoms. This is often an indication of an imbalance of Qi (pronounced “Chi”) in the body. Qi is defined as the body’s energy pathways flowing through channels in the body called meridians. When Qi is balanced and flowing through the meridian network, our bodies operate optimally. When Qi isn’t balanced, depression, anxiety, loss of appetite, high blood pressure, and even digestive issues can be present. 

Acupuncture points for treating emotional and physical effects of mental health disorders are located all over the body. Before beginning your acupuncture treatment, I will take a detailed history and examination. Then I will choose the acupuncture points based on your history and report of findings.

Researchers have been studying the effectiveness of acupuncture and how it can help people who suffer from depression and the findings are positive. A study conducted at the University of Arizona examined responses of 34 depressed women who used acupuncture, generalized acupuncture not utilizing specific points, or no treatment at all. The study found that of the women who received acupuncture specifically for depression, 43% experienced a reduction in their symptoms compared with 22% for those receiving general acupuncture and 14% who received no treatment at all. After eight weeks, more than half of the women who received specific acupuncture were considered no longer depressed. 

If you suffer from feelings of anxiety or depression, find out how the appropriate treatment plan can be developed based on your specific needs. Studies have shown that the right “dose” of acupuncture was the key in helping patients see results and a reduction of the symptoms of stress and depression. “Dose” is defined as both the number of treatment sessions overall, as well as the number of acupuncture points addressed in each session. 

Herbal supplements, nutrition, and dietary changes can also be utilized to help bring you back into balance. As we have all seen over the last couple of years, we need to be as vigilant in maintaining our mental health as we are with our physical health.

Contact me today and experience the healing benefits of acupuncture!

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A healthy diet is a healthy mind

There are many reasons to keep a healthy lifestyle and feed your body with foods that make you feel and perform your best. Diets that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol and higher in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to promote brain health and protect brain cells. Taking a fish oil supplement with DHA or eating fish such as salmon can help improve brain development at any age. DHA, a type of omega-3, may also help prevent certain neurological disorders. Vitamin E and lutein can also help brain health. Incorporate leafy greens such as spinach and kale into your lunch, dinners and smoothies.

Keep your brain stimulated

At any age, brain exercises are a great thing to get into the habit of. Keeping your brain stimulated can help retain your memory as you get older as well as your capability to learn new skills. The brain is never done learning. Exercises like reading, crosswords, number problems and games like sudoku can help keep your brain active and working. If you find yourself experiencing chronic stress, practice daily meditation for as little as five minutes a day to help reduce inflammation and support immune health, which are both controlled by the same area of the brain.

Socialize

Keeping in touch with friends and family and continuously working on building relationships helps your emotional state as well as your physical health. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, understand you and keep a positive tone. Join organizations or clubs you are interested in and make new connections. Feeling connected to others is always important for your mental wellbeing.

Quit the bad habits

If you smoke, now is never a better time to quit. Consuming an excess in substances such as alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs can lower cognitive processes and decrease overall functioning and health.

Acupuncture

According to Chinese Medical theory, it is believed that the spleen, kidney and heart organ systems all impact mental capacity and brain activity. These organs influence memory, concentration and recall. When one of these organs is experiencing deficiency or an imbalance, our brain cannot function to its fullest. Acupuncture addresses the organs with specific points on the body to return the body back to balance and health.
Sources: http://bit.ly/1PZsyVf

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OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder, is one of the most common mental health disorders. A lot of us have low levels of OCD about certain things, which is completely normal. When one suffers from serious OCD, it can greatly impede on their quality of living and everyday activities.

OCD is characterized as an anxiety disorder and involves irrational repeatedness. For example, someone with OCD may check on things or perform tasks repeatedly, causing distress and getting in the way of everyday tasks. Another common behavior is cleaning obsessively and being irrationally afraid of germs.

This disorder affects around 2.2 million Americans and usually develops during childhood or young adulthood. There is a spectrum of OCD depending on the person, where symptoms may get better or return and get worse. This illness can be very frustrating and discouraging for the person suffering with it as well as people around them.

Most medications that are prescribed to help OCD include anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants, which come with a whole slew of side effects.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine, and can also offer an alternative treatment to help OCD without the side effects of drugs.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, OCD is considered to be caused by an imbalance of the kidney organ system; when this system is not functioning properly, the body and mind can become stressed.

Acupuncture works by the specific placement of needles on different points throughout the body. These points work to release blockages in the body and return the body back to its natural flow and as a result, back to health. Acupuncture is known to lower stress and anxiety levels and calm the mind. When this happens, a person is less likely to have compulsive tendencies.

If you or someone you know is suffering from OCD, ask me how acupuncture treatment could be the right option for better health.

Tapping (EFT) to Eliminate OCD

Many people who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder find that treatment options may not be working as well as they hoped. Emotional Freedom Technique, or tapping, is an alternative treatment that can be used to help those with OCD and lead to a healthier, stress-free life. Similar to acupuncture, EFT is based on the idea that our bodies have a meridian system that creates an energy flow throughout our body and to our organs. When there is a blockage or stagnation in this flow, illness can arise. Unlike acupuncture, tapping can easily be learned and can be a self-treatment without the needles.

How can EFT help OCD?

EFT works to correct the root cause of the problem, and in the case of OCD that is the compulsive thoughts that precede the compulsive action. Habits are extremely hard to break for those suffering with OCD, EFT works to change the mindset and energy before the behavior begins. This safe and completely harmless treatment focuses on the meridian system of the body and tapping each of the 12 meridian points 5-7 times. At the same time, it is important to focus on accepting and letting go of negative emotions that are causing compulsive behaviors. By doing so, you are calming the mind and returning the body back to a healthy balance.

Studies done at accredited institutions such as Harvard Medical School have found the effectiveness of EFT tapping. One study found that when these meridian points are stimulated, the body’s stress and fear responses are lowered. Dr. Dawson Church has spent many years studying tapping and has found that war veterans who received tapping treatment had a 63 percent decrease in PTSD symptoms.

OCD is not something that is easily curable, but there are treatment options such as EFT tapping that have proven to be helpful with no side effects. Talk to an acupuncturist on how tapping can be incorporated into your treatment program and get you back on the road to better health!

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