There are many stories in the mind that we create out of fear, but that in fact do not serve to make us safer or happier. To recognize these one by one and use the above method to weed them out is to take huge steps toward peace and happiness within. Acupuncture can help this process become easier and smoother. By bringing the functional systems of your body into balance your thinking becomes clearer, and it is easier to be more aware of the different stories you have come to live with. It also helps to increase focus and allow for breathing and meditation exercises to become easier. Overall, acupuncture is a wonderful technique for easing anxiety and bringing about greater ease in life.
More than 40 million U.S. adults have symptoms of anxiety, which refers to excessive worrying that’s hard to control and often impacts daily life. It’s often treated with psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both.
What are the benefits?
There have been several studies done about the effects of acupuncture on anxiety. These studies have focused mostly on generalized anxiety disorder and suggest that acupuncture is helpful in treating general anxiety.
One promising study from 2015, for example, found that acupuncture improved symptoms in people with anxiety that didn’t respond to other treatments, including psychotherapy and medication. Participants received ten 30-minute sessions of acupuncture over the course of 12 weeks. They experienced a significant reduction in their anxiety, even 10 weeks after treatment.
What to expect
When you go in for your first appointment, your acupuncturist will start by asking you which symptoms you’re looking to treat. They’ll also ask about any medications you take, your medical history, and any other health concerns you have. This is a good time to ask any lingering questions you have about the process.
During your actual session, they’ll insert long, thin needles into different pressure points on your body. Depending on the pressure points used, this could take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Your acupuncturist might also twist the needles or apply an electrical pulse to them. They’ll leave the needles in for up to 20 minutes before carefully removing them.
Learn more
Interested in learning more about acupuncture? You can read About Acupuncture or How Acupuncture Works. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us