Acupuncture for anxiety

Anxiety is an emotion that affects us all, and in certain situations (for example if you have an exam) can be perfectly normal. But many people find it hard to control their worries, their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives. The most common condition is called generalised anxiety disorder or GAD. Panic disorder, phobias, PTSD and social anxiety also fall under the same umbrella of ‘anxiety’.

 

Symptoms of anxiety are broad ranging and can be physical as well as mental. They include a churning feeling in the stomach, heart palpitations, dizziness, trouble sleeping, pins and needles, sweating or hot flushes, needing the toilet more or less often, changes in sex drive, headaches, nausea, backache and other aches and pains.

 

Acupuncture for anxiety—the research

 

Acupuncture is a safe and gentle treatment option and is now recommended by Anxiety UK alongside other therapies such as counselling and EMDR.

 

Studies have shown acupuncture can help to address anxiety by deactivating the sympathetic nervous system which is involved in the fight or flight response, and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system which promotes relaxation. They also explain that acupuncture regulates neurotransmitters including noradrenaline, serotonin, dopamine and GABA which all regulate mood.

 

Acupuncture for anxiety—what to expect

 

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment and the initial consultation involves taking a detailed case history looking at all elements of your physical and emotional health. Rather than looking at seemingly unrelated symptoms in isolation, they are seen as inter-connected, and can help to form a detailed diagnosis.

 

Even if your main reason for coming is acupuncture for anxiety, the treatment will look to benefit you as a whole and many people report ‘feeling better in themselves’, have more energy, better sleep, and improved digestion.