There are many ways to help with stress and anxiety. You are likely already aware of the main ways available to help relieve these types of symptoms, such as talk therapy, medication, meditation, and so on. But did you know that acupuncture can actually also benefit those suffering with anxiety and stress? That’s right, acupuncture isn’t just for physical symptoms like pain, headaches, and cramps–acupuncture can also help lessen your anxiety.
Acupuncture for anxiety and stress
Acupuncture for anxiety and stress is similar to acupuncture for physical ailments that you are already familiar with. Acupuncture can be done for physical and emotional symptoms alike, with a few different types and styles utilized depending on the person’s needs. The main form of acupuncture for physical ailments is considered the traditional Chinese medicine method which helps bring balance back to the entire body, helping your qi flow freely throughout.
For physical and emotional symptoms, needles enter the skin in various parts of the body called acupoints. When done correctly, acupuncture helps your symptoms through the nervous system. One such way is by bringing out endorphins to help dull any pain and improve mood. It’s these same endorphins that are released when you exercise, which is why working out can ease stress and boost mood. Therefore, it is easy to see how acupuncture can do wonders not only for physical pain but also with helping your emotional well-being.
Choosing needles to help with stress
For many people, the idea of having needles anywhere near the body can be very daunting. When it comes to acupuncture for anxiety and stress, it may be helpful to know that the needles used are not the same as what is used for donating blood and other medical procedures. The needles for acupuncture are extremely fine and are placed by professionals who know which acupoints are best to help with the particular symptom you are there for. For anxiety and stress, many of the helpful acupoints are in the breastbone, forehead and eyebrows, and even on the arm and wrist.
Acupuncture is often recommended for multiple sessions. A trained acupuncturist will insert four to ten needles and leave them in place for up to a half hour, depending on the situation. There are minimal complications with this type of therapeutic treatment, and even the act of the treatment itself can be quite stress-relieving. In today’s modern world, it can be hard to find a half hour to just relax, and the acupuncture appointment gives you a nice break from the stressors of the world while hopefully removing some of the stress from within as well.
Acupuncture really helps aid the nervous system in getting back on track, whether that is by helping to relieve pain or stress. It can only benefit you to give it a try for any anxiety or stress you may be feeling.