Mental Health & Addiction Support

More About Anxiety & Depression Therapy

Cited from Pacific College of Health And Science

An estimated 1 in 5 adults suffer from a mental health disorder in a given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety and depressive disorders are the most common of all mental illnesses. Both are severe, chronic, and can significantly impair the individuals affected by them. Anxiety disorders can produce feelings that range from uneasiness to immobilizing moments of terror. An anxiety symptom may include excessive worrying, a feeling of being out of control, panic attacks, frequent nightmares, and lack of sleep. Any anxiety symptom can be frightening, even debilitating. Each year, 19 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders, and another 19 million experience a depressive illness.

According to recent studies, acupuncture may be a valuable adjunct therapy for those suffering from mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder . A study conducted at the University of Arizona examined the responses of 34 depressed women to acupuncture, generalized acupuncture that didn't use specific points, and no treatment at all. Of the women who received acupuncture specifically for depression, 43 percent experienced a reduction in their sign/symptom of depression , compared with 22 percent who received general acupuncture and 14 percent who received no treatment.

Two randomized, controlled, clinical trials suggest that electro acupuncture may reduce any sign/symptom of depression as effectively as amitryptiline, a tricyclic antidepressant medication. Electro acupuncture involves the application of a small electrical current through acupuncture needles. Other studies suggest that acupuncture may be effective for people with mild depression and for those with depression related to a chronic medical illness

Acupuncture provide safe, effective alternatives to controversial depression/anxiety medication . In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (Vital energy) is conducted between the surface of the body and internal organs along pathways called meridians. It is Qi that regulates spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance. When the flow of Qi is disrupted through poor health habits or other circumstances, disease can result. Acupuncture and massage keep the flow of this energy unblocked, and because Chinese medical practitioners treat patients as individuals, they consequently treat the true source of the depression instead of just prescribing pills.

It is important to take care of your mental well-being, whether you suffer from a clinically diagnosed disorder or are simply experiencing stress. Stress is at the root of many if not most of our modern ailments, yet as a culture we find it difficult to separate ourselves from the stress in our lives. Stress may be manifested physically as the result of too much to do, not enough sleep, a poor diet or the effects of illness. But stress often exhibits itself mentally as a result of worry, grief or trauma. Most stress accumulates subtly through daily strain, causing increases in blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, metabolism and blood flow to your muscles. The constant reactions your body produces can threaten mental health by contributing to the "out of control" feelings associated with stress.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective tool to relieve stress. Acupuncture treatments can help restore balance and thus protect health by identifying each individual's unique energy profile to identify weak spots where to offer support in order to restore balance. As the heavy feelings of stress are relieved, people may feel more confidence in their ability to cope with unpleasant aspects of their lives and make necessary changes.

A healthy mind will benefit you physically, and vice versa, whether you suffer from a major depressive disorder, one sign/symptom of depression , an anxiety symptom or general stress. Oriental medicine can help you on the path toward balancing your physical and mental wellbeing.