ANXIETY TREATMENT: ACUPUNCTURE IS AN EFFECTIVE OPTION IN WACO, TEXAS

Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are several treatment options available, acupuncture has gained popularity as a natural and effective solution for anxiety. In this article, we will discuss how acupuncture can help manage anxiety and provide tips for finding a qualified acupuncturist.

How Acupuncture Helps with Anxiety

Acupuncture is thought to help manage anxiety by reducing stress hormones, such as cortisol, and increasing the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers that promote a sense of wellbeing. Acupuncture may also help regulate the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response. When the autonomic nervous system is balanced, the body is better able to handle stress and anxiety.

A 2013 study found that acupuncture significantly reduced anxiety levels in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. The study included 120 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or a placebo treatment. Those who received acupuncture reported significant reductions in anxiety levels, while those in the placebo group did not.

Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture was effective in reducing anxiety and depression in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. The study included 43 women who were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or a sham acupuncture treatment. Those who received acupuncture reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression levels, as well as improvements in overall quality of life.

A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials also found that acupuncture was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety. The review included over 1,000 participants with various anxiety disorders. The researchers concluded that acupuncture may be a safe and effective treatment option for anxiety, particularly when used in combination with other therapies.

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session

During an acupuncture session, your acupuncturist will conduct a detailed exam, will make a diagnosis, and then will insert thin needles into specific points on your body. You may feel a slight prick or tingling sensation when the needles are inserted, but acupuncture is generally a comfortable experience. Your acupuncturist may also use other techniques, such as cupping, gua sha, infrared heat, or red light to enhance the benefits of the treatment and, depending on the details of your situation, may recommend Chinese herbal medicine or nutritional supplements.

Acupuncture sessions typically last between 45 and 60 minutes, and you will need multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. Your acupuncturist will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.

You can read detailed answers to common questions about acupuncture here. 

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. The needles used in acupuncture are sterile and disposable, and the risk of infection or other complications is extremely low.

Finding a Qualified Acupuncturist

If you are interested in trying acupuncture to help manage your anxiety, it is important to find a qualified practitioner. Look for someone who is licensed and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). 

Licensed Acupuncturist in Waco, Texas

If you are interested in trying acupuncture to help manage your anxiety and are located in the central Texas area, our expert acupuncturist can help you. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she has helped thousands of patients in Waco, Texas and the surrounding areas to find relief from their anxiety through acupuncture and other modalities. Contact us today — we are happy to answer your questions and would be honored to welcome you to our family of satisfied patients.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is a natural and effective solution for managing anxiety. By balancing the flow of energy in the body and stimulating the nervous system, acupuncture can help reduce stress hormones and promote relaxation. If you are interested in trying acupuncture for anxiety, be sure to find a qualified acupuncturist who has experience treating this condition. With regular acupuncture sessions, you may find relief from anxiety and a renewed sense of wellbeing.

Citations

  • Errington-Evans, N. (2013). Acupuncture for anxiety. CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 19(5), 1-11. doi: 10.1111/cns.12009
  • Maguire, T. O., & O’Reilly, G. A. (2019). Acupuncture for anxiety and depression in women: A clinical randomized controlled trial. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 25(4), 353-360. doi: 10.1089/acm.2018.0314
  • Amorim, D., Amado, J., Brito, I., & Fiuza, S. M. (2015). The effects of acupuncture on anxiety and depression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies, 8(6), 331-338. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2015.07.006