Did you know that more than 40 million adults in the United States have anxiety symptoms? They might do well to try acupuncture for anxiety to help them deal with this pervasive problem.
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has shown over the years that it is effective as an alternative treatment for anxiety. While you should consult your physician before beginning any form of treatment, acupuncture is often a great complementary treatment for anxiety symptoms.
Read on to learn more about how acupuncture can help and what to expect when you schedule a session.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Many studies on the effects of acupuncture on generalized anxiety disorder, one form of anxiety, have demonstrated that this treatment can be effective in treating general anxiety symptoms. Specifically, in one study from 2015, researchers found that acupuncture improved anxiety symptoms for people who did not respond well to other treatments. In this study, participants underwent ten half-hour sessions over three months. Once complete, they reported a significant reduction in their symptoms. Another study from 2016, one that used rats as subjects, came to the conclusion that acupuncture affects how the body reacts during the fight-or-flight response, reducing anxiety after it is triggered.
What these studies suggest is that anyone who has anxiety and doesn’t respond well to other treatments should try acupuncture to see if it works for them. It is a safe option for those who cannot take advantage of traditional forms of treatment.
What You Can Expect from Acupuncture for Anxiety
During your first acupuncture session, your acupuncturist will begin with some questions. What do you want to treat? Are you taking any medications? What is your medical history? Do you have any concerns about the process? Things like that. If you have any questions or concerns about acupuncture as a treatment for your anxiety, this stage is a good time to voice them. Don’t worry, your acupuncturist will listen.
When you finish with the initial consultation, your session will begin. Your acupuncturist will ask you to position your body on a table in a certain way and insert long needles into different points on your skin. While they might seem intimidating, these needles are harmless.
Depending on which pressure points your acupuncturist uses, your session could take anywhere from 15 – 30 minutes, perhaps more in some cases. Ask your acupuncturist how long it will take if you need a concrete stopping point.
It’s not likely that you will feel instant relief. Acupuncture takes time, and you’ll have to have many sessions over a long period of time before you will feel the effects.
It’s important to understand that your symptoms will gradually get better, so have patience.
Want to try acupuncture for anxiety? I’m here to help.
If you are curious about how we can help you, don’t hesitate to contact me. Schedule a consultation with me today so we can discuss a treatment plan that is right for you.