5 things everyone should know before trying acupuncture for anxiety

Battling with anxiety can be crippling. Using acupuncture can help you get control of the panic that grips you. Here are the 5 tips in starting your research.

1. Acupuncture helps to relax and tone the nervous system.

Inserting needles into your body either at the top of the head or in the side of your thigh, help to release neuropeptides (protein signaling molecules) which can “trip the switch”, and help your body get into the “rest-and-relaxation” mode. A recent study in the Journal of Acupuncture and Median Studies showed students who underwent a 20-minute acupuncture session were found to have less anxiety and better memory immediately afterwards than those who didn’t have acupuncture. The lead researcher of the study, explains that circumstances beyond your control can set off your anxiety and that acupuncture allows your body to take back control.

2. Treatments can be customized according to personality types.

Different personality types can receive different acupuncture sessions. Are you a type A perfectionist who demands a lot from yourself? Are you jittery around bossy co-workers? Do you incessantly worry? Do you feel unmotivated, deflated with no energy to do things that once excited and invigorated you? Finally, do any of the above conditions also cause you to feel hot and sweat a lot? These different coping styles can be matched with acupuncture sessions that can work on your specific type. Acupuncture is not one size fits all. Acupuncture therapy is tailored to each person to match your coping style and symptoms.

3. Acupuncture is safe

Are you worried about interactions with medications? No worries. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with medications. There is nothing injected in the needles. Scared of needles? Consider the fact that needles are only a tad bigger than a cat’s whisker. Furthermore, plastic guide tubes can be used to get the needle through the skin in the initial needling, to bypass pain receptors. Minimalist treatments can also be done. Talk with your acupuncturist and discuss what feels right for you.

4. Treatments don’t start and end in the treatment room.

Your acupuncturist will support you after your session. It is common to receive breathing techniques along with diet and exercise recommendations. Maintaining positive coping behaviors outside of the clinic will help you achieve the anxiety reduction you're looking for.

5. Be realistic and manage expectations.

If you’ve tried one or two sessions of acupuncture and have been anxious for a lifetime, it is not realistic to expect it to be a “magic pill”. Acupuncture is actually a lifestyle. Acupuncture helps “re-train” and “tone” your nervous system.  Just like building a muscle, your nervous system also responds better to regular workouts to deepen and engrain the relaxation response into your body.

Are you looking for more support?

I would like to give you a chance to get to know me and to find out more if acupuncture can be of help to you. Ask for your complimentary 30-minute consultation to see if acupuncture is for you. If you are ready to take control of your health and life now, call 201-444-7150. We are never too busy to help you with your health care needs.