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Acupuncture for Anxiety

Table of Contents

In this article we’ll talk about acupuncture and how it can work the symptoms of anxiety

What is Anxiety?

anxiety acupunctureAnxiety is a reaction the human mind and body has to a variety of occurrences, including stress, danger, and unfamiliar situations. Anxiety is common among American adults, as more than 40 million say they suffer from symptoms, including rapid heart rate, excessive worry, and difficulty controlling irritability. That’s almost 20% of the total adult population. Treatment for anxiety usually consists of a combination of treatments, including medications and psychotherapy. Acupuncture is a great way to reduce symptoms and help gain control of your life, especially when combined with more traditional therapies.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment that helps with symptoms like pain, illness, emotional distress and hormonal imbalance, by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation. The key to understanding acupuncture is that it addresses these ailments as a whole. In other words, it recognizes that insomnia, anxiety, pain, migraines and other issues are the result of fundamental functions within the body that are not working properly. Therefore, acupuncture is not putting the proverbial band-aid on the wound. Instead, acupuncture is about healing the wound from the inside out.

What are the Benefits of Acupuncture for Anxiety?

Acupuncture is helpful when dealing with the symptoms of anxiety, especially when it comes to Generalized Anxiety Disorder, according to some studies, including this one here. According to the study, acupuncture helped improve symptoms even when other treatments didn’t help. Acupuncture can help you effectively manage some of the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety, including the following. 

Symptoms

  • Headaches 
  • Excessive worry 
  • Stomach ache/stomach cramping 
  • Irritability 

Acupuncture for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

anxiety acupuncture treatmentIf you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, an effective low-risk treatment option is acupuncture. There are many studies out now that say acupuncture helps alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, especially when combined with healthy eating, exercise, medication, and psychotherapy. Alternative treatments like mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, and aromatherapy may help your symptoms even more. That’s why, if you have anxiety, visiting with an acupuncturist may be the best thing you can do to take charge of your symptoms and manage them effectively. That said, Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a complicated mental health condition that requires various approaches and may even require professional medical attention, in the form of medication. Visit with your doctor or mental health professional and let them know you’ll be using acupuncture to help manage your symptoms. 

Eating Right 

In addition to acupuncture, a healthy diet and exercise are extremely important. Eating right will promote better brain health and will make you feel better. Always consume whole, minimally-processed foods. Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Make sure to get enough exercise. Daily activity is of the utmost importance.

What Can You Expect from an Acupuncture Session?

If you choose to attend an acupuncture session or sessions to deal with your anxiety, there are a few things you should expect.

The First Session

anxiety raleigh acupunctureYour acupuncturist will first ask a few questions, including what symptoms you’re trying to alleviate. If your anxiety is causing headaches, jaw-clenching, and irritability, let your acupuncturist know. Your practitioner will come up with the best personalized treatment plan for you. Also let them know what medications you’re taking, including any medications you take for anxiety. You should also take this initial meeting as an opportunity to ask any lingering questions or concerns you may have about acupuncture and how it helps with anxiety.

What Treatment is Like

The treatment begins when your practitioner inserts a long, thin needle into a predetermined treatment zone, known as a pressure point. Your acupuncturist chose to insert the needle into that exact point based on your symptoms. From there your acupuncturist may do additional body work or use additional tools, including using an electrical pulse or guasha.

Repeat for the Best Results

Keep in mind, acupuncture is not about instant gratification. Sessions are meant to be repeated – that’s how you’ll get the best results. Some people notice subtle improvements quickly, while others say the change they feel is gradual.

How can you find a qualified Acupuncturist in Raleigh, North Carolina?

If you’re searching for a qualified Acupuncturist in Raleigh, North Carolina, you’ll want to find someone with experience, qualifications, and compassion. Look no further than Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center. Our goal since 2010 has been to provide quality and compassionate acupuncture in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding areas. Much like the balance that Acupuncture provides for your body, we provide our patients with balanced care: the highest quality healthcare, while at the same time focusing on compassionate services that treat you, the patient, with holistic, individualized treatment.

jim3

Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center for all of your Cupping needs

Hi, I’m Jim Eleczko, the founder of Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center and it’s my mission to provide you with compassionate, whole-person care using holistic treatments, including Acupuncture, Dry Needling, and Tunia Massage. I’m a board-certified and licensed Acupuncturist practicing since 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. I love that I get to wake up every day to make meaningful changes in my patient’s lives. I’ve seen first hand the changes that Acupuncture can make. 

As a teen I suffered from allergies and my father suggested that I try Acupuncture to calm the symptoms. It worked – and left a lasting impression on me! Now I offer Acupuncture and other treatments to help people with a variety of issues, including anxiety, migraines, fibromyalgia, and more. Our other treatments include Dry Needling, Guasha, Cupping, Stretching, Orthopedic Movements, Electroacupuncture and Therapeutic Exercises. 

Here’s a bit more about me and my qualifications: I studied the 4-year program at Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine and continue to travel multiple times a year to study with my mentor, Andrew Nugent-Head. I also studied under Dr. Ed Garbacz, M.D. LAc and spent a year working and studying under Dr. Bonnie Walker, M.D. LAc. I have also done extensive post-graduate studies in acupuncture, nutrition, herbal medicine from lectures of acupuncturists like Dr. Nguyen Van Nghi, Dr. Tran Viet Dzung, Matt Callison, and Edward Obaidey

Get in touch with me by calling (919) 260-4104. I’d be happy to answer your questions and get you booked for an appointment today!