Acupuncture for Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and my hope is to spread the word on just how impactful Acupuncture treatments are on mental and emotional wellbeing.
Acupuncture treats the root cause of the body’s imbalance while managing the symptoms of any condition. This doesn’t just apply to neck and back pain, headaches, or hypertension, for example. The mental and emotional body are intricately interwoven and affected by our environment, stress, diet, and lifestyle. And since the mind, body, and emotions are inseparable, your back pain will inevitably affect your emotional body, and your emotional trauma or mental health state will absolutely profoundly impact your physical body.
Let’s take a few case studies to examine:
Patient Ms. J decided to train for a triathlon. After months of training, her shoulder started to nag her. She ignored the pain, and kept pushing through to finish the race successfully. Within one week, Ms. J couldn’t lift her arm. On top of that, she was under a lot of stress moving her family to another state.
Finally, after months of chronic pain, sleepless nights, and heating packs on her shoulder, she finally decided to seek treatment. When the acupuncturist needled her shoulder, tears began flowing from Ms. J. Post treatment, Ms. J not only was out of shoulder pain, but she felt an emotional catharsis occurred. Whatever emotional trauma occurred around the time of her shoulder injury and big move was released via acupuncture.
Ok, so that patient was actually me! I can attest first hand to the powerful effects acupuncture has on the physical, mental, and emotional body.
Another case study is a patient experiencng anxiety.
The patient came in with a chief complaint of anxiety, and also noted he had chronic low back tension. As we began treatments for his mental health, within a few weeks, he noted he woke up one morning and realized his back wasn’t stiff and achey anymore. I explained to the patient how each of our emotions is correlated to an organ and channel system in the body. Anxiety/fear is connected with the Kidney channel, which also governs the low back and knees. When we experience an emotion that is not processed, it gets stored in the body. This, in turn, ends up causing stagnation, which leads to tension and pain.
Here are a few tips to help your lifestyle, which, in turn, impacts your mood.
-Take a walk out in Nature.
Moving the body is a great way to fight off the feelings of low mood and depression. In Chinese Medicine, the body’s energy flow can become stagnant, contributing to poor mood, low motivation, and sadness. Taking a walk helps stuck energy in the mind and body, thus, improving mood. When walking in nature, you have the added benefits of reducing blood pressure and improving autonomic and immune functions. In Japan, it is called “Forest Bathing” and comes highly recommended by yours truly. :). See evidenced-based article:
-Get a good night's sleep.
If you are not getting a good night’s sleep, you are negatively impacting your mental health. Lack of sleep and poor mental and emotional health co-exist according to evidence-based research.
See article: How A Good Night Sleep Improves Your Mental Health
Some tips for falling to sleep:
1) Read a book
2) Turn down the lights and shut off electronics 1 hour before bedtime
3) Avoid late night snacks, especially sugary or spicy foods.
4) Take a hot bath or shower before bed
5) Listen to relaxing music
6) Be consistent with your sleep schedule
7) Get Acupuncture!
-Stay on top of your Acupuncture Treatments!
You knew I was going to say that!
Evidenced-based research concludes acupuncture is an effective therapy for anxiety, and depression. Research suggests acupuncture profoundly influences areas of the brain to reduce pain and stress as well as regulating levels of neurotransmitters and hormones that play a role in mood.
Regular treatments are critical in managing the symptoms of anxiety and depression while getting to the root cause of the body’s imbalance. While I can attest to the impacts of acupuncture from a clinical experience, I can also testify from a patient’s perspective!
Researched-based articles explaining the impacts of Acupuncture for Anxiety and Depression:
-And, remember: Self Care is Not Selfish
I am constantly reminding my patients of the airplane protocol - Put your oxygen mask on first before helping others. This is a great reminder that you need to make sure your needs are met and functioning at optimal levels to best serve your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Taking care of yourself is NOT selfish. It is a necessity!
It is also OK to not be OK. If you need immediate mental health crisis care, there are many resources available.
In any situation involving actual or potential injury to you or another, call 9-1-1 and ask for a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) trained officer.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 and Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website.
Sarasota Mobile Crisis Unit:
First Step - Mobile Response Team
The Mobile Response Team (MRT) provides around the clock (24/7-365) intervention through the Access Center to youth, adults, and families who are experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis. Services are available at home, school and other community-based locations or through the Access Center via phone and Telehealth.
For more information or if in crisis, call 941-364-9355.
Sarasota, I am always available for a consultation if you have questions on how acupuncture can help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, and stress management.
In mental health & wellness,
Dr. Jen