Acupuncture for Anxiety and Depression

More and more people are turning to Acupuncture in North America for various reasons. In fact, people all over the world have been using it for over 3000 years for various health reasons.

Acupuncture has a long list of benefits that can help, treat, and even prevent some health conditions. Several studies even suggest that it can be as effective antidepressants and antianxiety, with no side effects.

Why we feel stressed?

A reason we feel stressed and anxious is due to the body’s over-production of hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine. These stress hormones boost our anxiety and can cause physical symptoms like; an increased heart rate, tense muscles, and even change the way our digestive system behaves. Acupuncture can help with all of these things. 

But how does acupuncture work?

In a nutshell, traditional Chinese acupuncture regulates our body’s flow of “Qi”. In Western medicine, “Qi” is thought as being similar to our metabolism or immune system. When someone is injured, sick, stressed, or excited, their “Qi” is altered and can ultimately lead to dysfunction. Acupuncture helps to restore our bodies proper flow and balance if Qi so that we can have the best quality of life.  Furthermore, the insertion of needles has a direct effect on the body’s nerves, which can help reduce one's total pain.

How acupuncture can help

Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental disorders in the world. Acupuncture is used to help control and reduce anxiety and even depression. When persons Qi is disrupted, anxiety and depression-like symptoms could follow. By naturally regulating the body’s chemical balance, someone’s negative emotional state can be restored.

What the research says about acupuncture

In 2009, the Journal of Integrative Psychiatry published an article on the Role of Acupuncture in the treatment of depression. They said (from a Western Medicine perspective), that although the exact mechanism of action of acupuncture is unknown, it is associated with an increase in the level of neurobiologically active substances, such as endorphins and enkephalins. They also showed data indicating that acupuncture induces the release of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.

If you want to understand more about your anxiety and depression you can book a  complementary no-obligation assessment with one of our experienced health coaches who can answer your questions. Call 613 230-0998, book online, or email info@ottawahilisticwellness.ca today! 

About the author

Dr. Stacia Kelly is a chiropractor at Ottawa Holistic Wellness Clinic, located in center town Ottawa. The clinic has over 15 different wellness practitioners. They work as a team and consider individuals symptoms to provide a real holistic approach, which enables them to identify and treat the underlying causes of your issues to give deep, long lasting healing.

More about Dr. Kelly