Managing Anxiety with Acupuncture Techniques

Acupuncture for Anxiety Management

Many people feel anxious and don't know how to manage their feelings. Anxiety can be very debilitating and can affect people at all ages. The severity of anxiety can vary widely as well. This post is aimed to help people suffering from anxiety learn more about acupuncture and how it can help to manage their anxiety. Acupuncture works well as a complement to standard care for anxiety and as a first step in addressing your anxiety. Acupuncture has no side effects and can be used alongside medications. Acupuncture is all natural, safe, gentle and effective.

You may be thinking – I’m anxious just thinking about acupuncture, doesn't it hurt? First of all, acupuncture is not painful. An acupuncture needle is very thin, just slightly thicker than a human hair. It is much finer than a hypodermic needle (those used for giving blood or shots). Because it is so fine, when it is inserted it causes very little to no discomfort. Most patients say they feel a tapping sensation when the needles are inserted. Some patients that are very sensitive can feel a small prick that goes away immediately. Either way, after the needles are inserted there is no discomfort and patients feel at ease both physically and mentally. Needles are usually inserted in your arms and legs but other areas may be used as well depending on your condition. Usually, 8 - 15 needles are used. While the treatment is occurring you will be lying on a padded treatment bed. After the needles are inserted, your body will feel relaxed and you will remain like this for 20-30 minutes. Then, all the needles will be taken out, which is not painful. Patients report feeling calm and relaxed during the treatment, some people fall asleep, others meditate.

Research has shown that acupuncture is able to block stress hormone pathways (1). Acupuncture points are located near nerve endings and are able to stimulate the nervous system to release endorphins and other feel good chemicals. Acupuncture works on many different levels of the body and is not fully understood by scientific means. Patients receiving acupuncture feel relaxed during the treatments and after. That feeling grows and lasts longer after more treatments. To learn more about how acupuncture works for treating anxiety, read this article. To feel how acupuncture helps treat anxiety, schedule an appointment with your local acupuncturist.