Managing Anxiety with Acupuncture
Anxiety is a prevalent condition among millions of American adults, approximately 3.3 million, to be exact. In addition to anxiety and the debilitating mental and physical effects it has, many adults will also typically have another co-occurring mental or physical illness. The addition of physical pain only exacerbates the existing symptoms of anxiety, often causing the recovery process to be much more difficult for these individuals.
The medications prescribed for these conditions often come with side effects such as increased mood issues or even physical risks such as addiction. However, there are alternative treatments for anxiety that are more holistic, relying on the body’s natural capacity for healing. At To the Point Acupuncture, I believe these alternative treatments rooted in Chinese medicine are better compared to pharmaceutical (or other self-medicating) routes.
3 ways to address anxiety using alternative methods of treatment are:
- Acupuncture: It may seem counter intuitive to treat anxiety with needles, but truly it’s designed to elicit a therapeutic response in the body like no other medications are capable of doing. Acupuncture is meant to help restore and balance the body’s energy, or qi. It is also a treatment specific per individual, so no two people will get the same exact treatments for the same condition.
- Cupping Therapy: This practice is also designed to balance the body’s qi and restore blood flow. It also works to remove toxins from the body that have been stored for a long time. Using methods of sliding and stationary cupping can help to alleviate the stress and pain that are afflicting an individual and causing them to experience anxiety.
- Breathing Exercises: For more immediate relief in an anxious situation, individuals are encouraged to practice self-help methods of treatment until they’re able to see a professional. Breathing slowly and deeply provides real-time relief to those suffering as it can help reduce the heart rate and lower blood pressure in these situations.
There are many alternative methods of treatment that are effective at reducing the symptoms of anxiety and other mental/physical illnesses. If you’re interested in seeing what your options are, contact me today at To The Point Acupuncture. I’ve seen hundreds of patients benefit from these practices, so I’m certain we’ll find the right treatment for your specific needs.
