Anxiety Relief Through Acupuncture
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at different times. We may become anxious before a test, when faced with a problem at work or driving on the expressway in rush hour. However, for some people, anxiety occurs with such frequency and/or intensity that it interferes with their daily well-being. People experience anxiety differently but common symptoms include feelings of panic, fear, or general unease; difficulty sleeping; heart palpitations; racing thoughts; inability to be still; muscle tension; nausea; dizziness and dry mouth. In my experience, it is common for people who experience anxiety to also ruminate. They may get stuck reliving a specific conversation or interaction or have mental arguments with another person. They worry about everyday life situations with no obvious reason for worry. All of this is exhausting and they long for peace. The good news is that acupuncture is extremely effective in relieving anxiety and there are no negative side effects. In a recent study of the effect of acupuncture on Generalized Anxiety Disorder researchers note that “a number of Meta analysis and system evaluations point out that acupuncture treatment has more advantages than drugs in the treatment of anxiety disorders….”.
In my clinic I treat anxiety frequently. Unlike pharmaceuticals, patients often experience a reduction in anxiety in one treatment with continued and sustained improvement with follow-up treatments. Patients have told me that they feel like their old self again, that they feel positive and full of energy. Other patients have found a sense of peace and self-love they never experienced before. My favorite thing is to see patients bouncing in the door with a new sense of lightness and joy.
In addition to acupuncture I recommend specific lifestyle changes to my patients. Taiji, Qigong and yoga all enhance a mind-body connection and can help quiet the mind. By studying some form of meditation patients learn to control and relax the mind. One quick, in the moment, breathing exercise you can try is to close your eyes, take a deep breath through your nose, hold it for a few moments and release your breath slowly through your mouth. Repeat a few times. Open your eyes and check in with how you are feeling.
Ready to experience a renewed sense of peace and lightness? Give us a call at 720-745-1120 to schedule your first appointment!