The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reveals that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults. This type of neurological disorder not only impacts the brain, but one’s entire being, resulting in three to five times more visits to the doctor’s office than those who don’t suffer from anxiety. Anxiety costs America a staggering 42 billion dollars a year in conventional treatment.
Mainstream drugs are not only expensive but harbor negative side effects, but is there a natural prescription that can alleviate one’s symptoms of anxiety and refresh their entire system? Yes! Acupuncture. Not only is this alternative treatment attracting attention in mainstream medicine, but according to a recent survey, this ancient technique is gaining momentum across the nation.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical practices used in the world. This holistic approach is an ancient Chinese practice involving the insertion of needles into pressure points on the body. According to ancient Chinese medicine, the body is regulated by an energy force known as Qi. Qi moves throughout the body’s system through pathways called meridians. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, one’s overall health is affected. When the acupuncturist inserts these fine needles at specific points, the balance of Qi is restored and the body is refreshed. Acupuncture improves one’s wellbeing, and according to the ADAA, “evidence for the use of acupuncture . . . to treat anxiety disorders is becoming stronger.”
How does acupuncture treat anxiety?
By the strategic placement of the needles, the nervous system can be stimulated to release painkilling chemicals and even stimulate the areas of the brain which controls emotions. This researched technique has also been proven to release endorphins—the natural chemicals that play an important part in regulating stress responses. Not only does acupuncture help alleviate stress, but it also targets the areas of your life that is affected by chronic anxiety such as poor sleeping habits, stomach aches, and memory loss.
A study, conducted in 2014, reveals that not only is acupuncture an effective treatment for those suffering from anxiety, but it’s also safe. This is important to note because while most mainstream drugs contain damaging side effects, acupuncture is harmless. The results supplied by acupuncture are beneficial, and that is the perfect, natural prescription to treat not only anxiety, but one’s health in general.
It’s important to detail the specific anxiety problem to the acupuncturist in order for them to target the correct imbalance and allow this ancient method help improve your overall mental and physical health
