The sources of anxiety and stress are increasing day by day. Be it the global financial crunch or the rapidly changing weather, all take a toll on your mind and soul. Thus, to stay sturdy and going, we all need to relax, and what better way to relax than acupuncture!
The Science Behind Acupuncture-Induced Relaxation
As you might know, acupuncture is a treatment option in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves introducing very fine needles into the body. These needles when entered at specific locations allow rapid healing.
As per TCM, optimal working of the body relies on an uninterrupted flow of internal energy (qi). By application of acupuncture, qi flow is restored and thus the body is relaxed.
Cut Down Anxiety And Stress With Acupuncture
An effective way to get relaxed is to cut down the stress and anxiety levels of the body. Acupuncture imparts strong anti-stress and anxiolytic effects that ultimately lead to relaxation.
There are numerous studies that advocate the use of non-pharmacological interventions such as acupressure and acupuncture to achieve tranquillity and serenity. Acupuncture showed promising results in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, indicating its usefulness in alleviating anxiety.
This treatment modality of TCM modulates the stress perception of the body too. According to an animal study, acupuncture imparts strong anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects on PTSD patients.
As per a 2019 meta-analysis, participants receiving acupuncture reported evident reductions in stress and anxiety. This was followed by periods of relaxation and calmness. Randomized controlled trials carried out in 2021 also concluded that acupuncture therapy aided in relaxing individuals by reducing anxiety.
Burnout Patients
A 2021 study found acupuncture to be extremely potent in relaxing burnout patients. It effectively reduced emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low feelings of personal accomplishment.
Better Sleep
A relaxed mind can enjoy better sleep. As per systematic review acupuncture from a professional can significantly improve the quality of your sleep.
Best Acupuncture Points For Relaxation
PC6 And HT7
The Pericardium 6 and Heart 7 acupuncture points present in the inner wrist are effective in improving heart health and relaxing the body.
Yin Tang
Yin tang is an acupuncture point present between the eyebrows. Acupuncture on this point effectively lowers anxiety. The point also improves the sleep quality of the patients.
Ear points are also known to positively regulate the nervous system and thus make you relaxed.
Where Can I Get The Best Acupuncture For Relaxation?
To get the best acupuncture treatment for relaxation we recommend the Legacy Clinic.
Conclusion
Acupuncture treatment restores the qi balance of the body and sets you free from stress and anxiety. It has strong anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects that allow subtle relaxation. This treatment modality also improves sleep quality. The most famous points for relaxation include PC6, HT7, and yin tang.
References
- Pilkington, Karen, et al. “Acupuncture for anxiety and anxiety disorders–a systematic literature review.” Acupuncture in Medicine 25.1-2 (2007): 1-10.
- Oh, Ju-Young, et al. “Acupuncture modulates stress response by the mTOR signaling pathway in a rat post-traumatic stress disorder model.” Scientific Reports 8.1 (2018): 1-17.
- Li, Meixuan, et al. “Acupuncture for the treatment of anxiety, an overview of systematic reviews.” Complementary therapies in medicine 43 (2019): 247-252.
- Yang, Xiang-Yun, et al. “Effectiveness of acupuncture on anxiety disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Annals of general psychiatry 20.1 (2021): 1-14.
- Petitpierre, Marc, Ludwig Stenz, and Ariane Paoloni-Giacobino. “Epigenomic changes after acupuncture treatment in patients suffering from burnout.” Complementary medicine research 29.2 (2022): 109-119.
- Shergis, Johannah Linda, et al. “A systematic review of acupuncture for sleep quality in people with insomnia.” Complementary therapies in medicine 26 (2016): 11-20.
- Acar, H. Volkan, et al. “Acupuncture on Yintang point decrease preoperative anxiety.” The journal of alternative and complementary medicine 19.5 (2013): 420-424.