Anxiety
Some level of anxiety is present in almost everyone I see. It’s kind of the new “normal” – it’s rare to run into someone that feels relaxed, light-hearted, and grateful most of the time. And when a person is in pain, or has a chronic health issue, it is almost always the case that some degree of anxiety or depression is present.
Maybe you’ve been given a diagnosis of “depression” or “anxiety” and handed a prescription for a medication without any further explanation. Maybe you feel a sense of dread or panic without knowing why. Or you can’t silence the negative thoughts which put you on edge. Or you feel like you’re constantly running to keep ahead and can’t relax. It doesn’t have to be this way. And we can help.
Depression and anxiety are symptoms, a sign that something is off balance or ill in the body that needs to be remedied.
The question to ask is WHY. Why are you feeling this way? Why is your body creating symptoms that manifest as anxiety or depression? And what can we do to rectify that root cause and bring you back into balance and feeling like yourself again?
Depression and anxiety are often due to the impact of inflammation, nutritional factors, a disrupted microbiome, or unrelenting stress.
With acupuncture and basic lifestyle interventions, we can facilitate your body’s powerful self-healing mechanisms.
Acupuncture has been proven to modulate the central nervous system. It turns down the sympathetic (fight or flight) side of the autonomic nervous system, and turns up the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the (rest and digest) side of the autonomic nervous system. That gets you out of “stress” mode, and reduces inflammation and cortisol levels. All of these things make acupuncture incredibly effective at treating anxiety and depression.
You do not have to choose between taking a holistic approach to mental health or a western medical approach…. they can work beautifully together. We support your choices and goals and are happy to work in conjunction with your doctor. You can often benefit from acupuncture even while on medication, and we can work to help support you to feel your best.
Acupuncture has been used for 1000’s of years to treat anxiety and depression naturally, without side-effects.
Benefits of acupuncture for anxiety and depression include:
- Calms the nervous system
- Releases endorphins
- Promotes relaxation
- Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Quiets the mind
- Improves sleep
- Improved energy levels
Stress
When we feel threatened, our body is designed to activate protective mechanisms. All the processes that aren’t essential for immediate survival have energy diverted from them – for instance, the digestive system slows down and the immune system is suppressed, since neither system will help you fight or run away. This is fine, as long as the stress is short-lived.
However, in these modern times, our stress is usually prolonged. Whether it’s work deadlines, bills to pay, family issues, or watching the news, most people I see live with an unhealthy level of stress, and that contributes to a whole bunch of health issues.
Here’s a list from the Mayo Clinic:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Digestive problems
- Headaches
- Heart disease
- Sleep problems
- Weight gain
- Memory and concentration impairment
Do you see one of your issues on that list? If so, here’s the good news: Acupuncture has been shown to lower stress levels, balance hormones related to stress, and calm the autonomic nervous system.
If you are ready to take control of your health and your life once and for all, then call our clinic today at (360) 943-0306 so we can discuss your healthcare needs and set up your first appointment. We are never too busy to help you!