Anxiety

Roughly 40 million adults and 4.4 million children in America are living with an anxiety disorder. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to have an anxiety disorder. Only about a third of sufferers actually receive treatment.

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Feelings of agitation
• Excessive worrying
• Difficulty concentrating
• Panic attacks
• Increased irritability
• Avoiding social situations
• Easily fatigued
• Difficulty sleeping
• Restlessness
• Muscle tension
• Irrational feelings of fear

Depression

Approximately 17.5 million adults and 1.9 million children in America suffer from depression. Adults with depression have an astounding 64% greater chance of developing coronary artery disease. Women are more likely than men to have depression. It is estimated that less than 50% of people with depression receive treatment. 

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness
• Increased irritability, anger, anxiety, restlessness, and aggressiveness
• Low energy
• Headaches
• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• Trouble sleeping
• Digestive issues
• Decreased sexual interest
• Thoughts of suicide

Pharmaceutical drugs are one of the main treatments for anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, these often come with harsh side effects, including:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Memory problems
• Loss of sexual desire 
• Erectile dysfunction
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Trouble concentrating
• Seizures
• Insomnia
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Digestive issues
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Slurred Speech
• Poor balance or coordination

For many, the side effects from depression, anxiety, and other medications are so bad that they aren’t even worth taking. People are increasingly seeking more natural ways to manage their feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. One promising modality is acupuncture. A multitude of research studies have found that acupuncture improved self-reported scales of depression and anxiety. The studies on anxiety also noted that the effects were as strong as traditional anxiety treatments – but without the negative side effects that often come with pharmaceuticals. 

“Evidence for the use of acupuncture… to treat anxiety disorders is becoming stronger.” – The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

“Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective depression therapy. Some studies have shown acupuncture noticeably lessens symptoms of depression. Acupuncture may be a treatment option for you if antidepressant medications haven’t helped.” – The World Health Organization (WHO)

Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny, hair-thin needles into specific points on the body to restore balance and promote the body’s innate healing capabilities. Patients note improvements in mood, energy, and stress following their acupuncture treatments, as well as an overall sense of well-being and peace.  

Although acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, research is only just beginning to understand and explain it’s incredible healing potential.

Here are a few benefits that acupuncture research has uncovered so far related to anxiety, depression, stress, and other health issues:

• Acupuncture has been found to decrease stress hormones, including hormones secreted by the hypothalamus, the adrenal gland, and the pituitary gland
• Acupuncture has been found to decrease the body’s “fight or flight” response 
• Acupuncture soothes the parasympathetic nervous system and promotes balance in the nervous system
• Acupuncture positively impacts brain and neuronal activity
• It has been found that acupuncture balances blood hormone levels, significantly decreasing levels of peptides that induce stress and anxiety 
• Acupuncture positively impacts the limbic system, and actually shuts down stress regions in the brain
• Acupuncture has been found to block the “chronic, stress-induced elevations” of stress hormones
• Acupuncture helps regulate serotonin in the brain
• Acupuncture promotes restful sleep, positive mood, immune function, and energy
• Acupuncture can help people struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue, and insomnia
• Acupuncture can improve mental clarity and functioning
• Acupuncture has been found to reduce pain, increase circulation, decrease inflammation, and promote relaxation
• Acupuncture is a safe, natural and highly effective healing modality, offering relief from a number of issues including neurological, musculo-skeletal, emotional, gynecological, urinary, gastrointestinal, and more!

Experience the benefits of acupuncture for yourself! Book an appointment today at VIM Acupuncture!