Acupuncture for Anxiety, Depression and Stress Relief
Living in a busy city can bring unique pressures and stressors that impact mental health. At Metro Acupuncture, our acupuncturists have years of experience treating mental health conditions, achieving great results for patients with depression, anxiety, and stress. We incorporate both Eastern and Western medical understanding when using acupuncture to improve mood disturbances like anxiety and depression.
How Acupuncture Calms Anxiety via the Nervous System
When stress or anxiety overwhelms you, your body triggers the fight or flight response, leading to symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, headaches, and panic attacks. Acupuncture helps calm the central nervous system, shifting the body from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest.” Numerous studies support acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating mental health conditions. It stimulates specific points, prompting the brain to release endorphins and neurotransmitters—natural substances that reduce stress and create a sense of well-being.
Scientific Evidence for Acupuncture’s Effectiveness
From a scientific standpoint, acupuncture influences neurochemical and hormonal responses in the body. Acupuncture stimulates areas of the brain known to be responsible for reducing pain and stress. Acupuncture also encourages relaxation and deactivates the “analytical” brain, which can be linked to anxiety and worry. Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to affect the autonomic nervous system, aiding in balancing the body’s response to stress.
Research indicates that acupuncture can effectively alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. A systematic review and meta-analysis, published in Research in Nursing & Health, assessed 22 randomized clinical trials and highlighted that acupuncture, as either a standalone or adjunct treatment, benefits those with depression by stimulating neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation and promoting relaxation. Another systematic review and meta-analysis, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, found that acupuncture significantly reduced depression severity compared to usual care, sham acupuncture, and when used as an adjunct to antidepressant medication. The study concluded that acupuncture might be a suitable adjunct therapy for depression, emphasizing its potential benefits in affecting neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin and noradrenaline.
The History and Safety of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has a long history of treating illnesses we now understand as depression, and many people in China and the West use acupuncture for this purpose. A review of studies found that acupuncture helps with depression and is considered safe. Another study, “Treatment of Depression with Acupuncture Based on Pathophysiological Mechanism” showed that “acupuncture can induce the brain and spinal cord to produce a variety of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, such as endorphins and serotonin. These bioactive substances have positive effects on relieving pain, improving mood, and enhancing the body’s ability to cope with stress.”
Acupuncture for Well-being for Patients
Each session at our acupuncture practice goes beyond addressing symptoms of anxiety, stress, or depression—the treatments are holistic and promote overall health and well-being. Fatigue, lack of motivation, and malaise often accompany depression and other mental health challenges. Fortunately, acupuncture can improve energy levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, acupuncture is an empowering way to take charge of mental health. Supported by scientific studies, Metro Acupuncture offers personalized treatments that alleviate mental health concerns and enhance overall energy and well-being. At Metro Acupuncture, our acupuncturists understand the balance between Eastern and Western medicine principles, customizing each session to meet patients’ specific needs.
Our Acupuncture Clinic
Metro Acupuncture is conveniently located near Northside Hospital (Perimeter), Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, and many psychiatrists’ offices. We are easily accessible via GA State Route 400 and Interstate 285, and you can book your initial acupuncture treatment today.
We invite you to take the first step towards improved mental health and book an appointment, so we can help you feel more like yourself again.
