Intro
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that is used to treat a wide variety of conditions. The thin needles are inserted into your body at certain points, called meridian points. Since it is believed that energy flows through your body, the needles are used to stimulate these points and promote balance. Some of the conditions acupuncture can help include chronic pain, migraines, fertility support, vertigo, depression and anxiety.
How can acupuncture help Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that consists of persistent low mood and loss of interest. Low levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, is one cause of depression. Serotonin is in charge of emotional regulation in the brain along with emotional stability. These low levels of serotonin lead to increased negative emotions, poor sleep, low or excessive appetite, increased anxiety, etc. Although depression is usually treated with medication, alternative forms of medicine, such as acupuncture, have seen improvement as well. Acupuncture can restore balance to the body’s flow of energy and regulate the neurotransmitters and hormones, such as serotonin and endorphins. Acupuncture is a natural approach to restoring balance to the body.
How can acupuncture help Anxiety?
Similar to how acupuncture helps relieve symptoms of depression, acupuncture can improve blood flow, which in turn, can reduce stress and anxiety. It also regulates the nervous system, reduces the production of the stress hormone called cortisol, increases the feel-good hormones, and improves sleep quality. Acupuncture can also help alleviate the symptoms of the stress and trauma related disorder, PTSD, by regulating the body and mind and returning it to a state of peace and regulating the nervous system.
Where can I go to receive treatment?
Essence Acupuncture offers individualized treatments that can get to the root of your concerns. Give us a call at 210-236-5862 to schedule your consultation!
References:
Robinson, Jennifer, (May 02, 2023), What to know about Acupuncture for Depression, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/depression/what-to-know-about-acupuncture-for-depression.
Sun B, Cao X, Xin M, Guan R, (Nov 04, 2023), Treatment of Depression with Acupuncture Based on Pathophysiological Mechanism, Dovepress, https://www.dovepress.com/treatment-of-depression-with-acupuncture-based-on-pathophysiological-m-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJGM#:~:text=Acupuncture%20plays%20an%20antidepressant%20role,and%20improving%20the%20emotional%20state.
