How Does Acupuncture Help Anxiety?

Many studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in treating psychological, as well as physical problems. People with chronic anxiety, depression, and generalized anxiety disorders may find relief after just a few sessions of acupuncture with a specialist.

The link between mind and body is very important in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It theorizes that there is a form of energy, called chi, which moves throughout the body. When there is pain or distress in the body, the chi is blocked and cannot flow through the body as it should. Acupuncture allows the body to relax, and allows the chi to become unblocked and circulate throughout the body as normal.

There is a theory in modern western medicine that acupuncture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system controls the body when it is at rest. It can cause the heart rate to slow, and activity in the intestines to increase. Acupuncture simulates this system, and promotes deeper relaxation.

This stimulation of deep relaxation can help anxiety problems, as well as general physical problems. Acupuncture will cause the person suffering from anxiety to relax very deeply. This feeling of deep relaxation is so beneficial that it can extend even after the acupuncture session. For more information about acupuncture, see the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.