Stress. Anxiety. Depression. These are just a few, but serious, health issues facing millions of people on a daily basis; more than 40 million people in the United States alone. Stress is part of our daily life. For some, it can be motivating, however, for others, it can be harmful. Stress is a warning that signals danger and that action is needed to change a situation. Our bodies secrete various hormones to assist in our body’s response. It was designed for short term situations with long periods of rest between. Long-term stress can be damaging however, as the body was not designed to be in a constant state of stress. It can adversely affect our cardiovascular health, metabolism, damage organs as well as weaken the immune system putting people at higher risk for more severe health conditions.
Long term stress can also impact parts of the brain that regulate our mood and emotions leading to anxiety and depression. Today, more people are seeking natural alternatives for their health due to the side-effects from over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Acupuncture is one of those remedies. There are recent studies proving the efficacy of how acupuncture can treat depression, anxiety and stress.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) says, “The evidence for the use of acupuncture…to treat anxiety disorders is becoming stronger”.
In a study from the University of York, in the UK, 755 people with moderate to severe depression were studied. Seventy percent of patients had been on anti-depressants and continued on them throughout the study. Both acupuncture and counseling had a strongly positive effect on depression, lowering the depression scale from an average of 16 out of 27 at the start of the study to 9 for acupuncture and 11 for counseling at its conclusion. Those who participated in the study noticed the benefits lasted three months after treatment concluded.
According to research in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, from the University of Manchester, Acupuncture is an effective intervention for managing the symptoms of chemo-related fatigue and improving patients’ quality of life. Additionally, anxiety and depression scores measured from 0-21, dropped two additional points post-acupuncture, compared to those who weren’t given acupuncture. Emotional and physical well-being received a greater boost with acupuncture therapy.
The consequence of not treating mental health issues (depression, anxiety, stress) is more-costly. Mental illness cost the U.S. $193 billion in lost earnings per year. Longevity of Americans with serious mental illness is decreased by 25 years. Thirty-seven percent of students, ages, 14-21, with a mental health condition, drop out of school. These are conditions that can be treated using acupuncture.
Acupuncture is one therapy under the umbrella of Chinese medicine in which hair fine needles are inserted into various parts of the body called acupoints. These acupoints are used to treat various health conditions. These acupoints points are located on “channels” or “meridians” which run throughout the body and correspond to certain organs, fascia/muscle chains, fluids, and structures of the body. Meridians are “highways” of blood, fluids, and energy or “qi” in Chinese medicine. Stimulation at the acupoints will affect various physiological function, fluid and blood movement or production, and tissues or structures depending on the channels and points chosen. Sensation of the stimulated points varies among patients, and most patients report no pain. Every patient and condition is seen as unique and therefore treatment varies per patient.
Studies have shown the releasing of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relieving and feel good hormones of the body during treatment. Acupuncture has also been shown to activate the parts of the brain that regulate emotions and mood through the release of neurotransmitters. Some doctors have claimed acupuncture treatment activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which shuts down the stress response/sympathetic nervous system allowing the body to regulate and heal. This is observed by many patients and practitioners post treatment as patients often report feeling relaxed. Patients also report sleeping better the night of and often the next few nights after treatment, which can indicate a more parasympathetic state.
A treatment begins with an in-depth consultation with a licensed Acupuncturist, discussing your health history as well as your health goals. He or she, will examine your tongue, check your pulse, and possibly perform other physical examinations depending on the patient’s health. After discussing a treatment plan, he/she will check the precise acupoints and then gently place the filiform needles where needed. These are sterilized, single-use needles. The needles will stay in place for about twenty to thirty minutes and before they are removed. The patient will be checked, asked how they feel, and can schedule their follow up appointment. The first appointment will usually take sixty to ninety minutes, with subsequent appointments lasting about 60 minutes.
Moore Rd. MediSpa is a warm, inviting practice, led by experienced, certified and licensed, highly trained professionals in their respective fields. They offer quality services, customized for your health goals. Call today and schedule your appointment to look better and feel great.
