Millions of people worldwide struggle with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. They can disrupt one’s quality of life and lead to other health problems.

Acupuncture has been shown to improve mental health. It is an excellent addition to your treatment plan for depression and anxiety.

Stress Reduction

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is all about balancing the flow of energy, or life force, known as Qi (chee). It’s believed that the body’s natural painkillers and “feel these pathways, called meridians, control good” chemicals.

Inserting acupuncture needles into specific points stimulates these areas of the body and encourages relaxation. This decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increases endorphin release, reducing anxiety symptoms.

In one study, participants who experienced symptoms of depression saw results from acupuncture similar to those seen with antidepressant medication. However, the number of treatment sessions needed and overall benefits will vary from person to person. Ming Health acupuncture may also help reduce stress and anxiety by encouraging better self-care habits, including exercise, sleep, and diet.

Pain Relief

For many people who struggle with anxiety and depression, pain is a significant contributor. Fortunately, acupuncture is also an effective treatment for pain relief. Acupuncture works by stimulating particular sites to cause the production of feel-good endorphins that reduce pain perception.

Acupuncture has also been shown to increase BDNF levels, which play an essential role in neuroplasticity and support cognitive function and emotional regulation. It has also been found to modulate the release and function of neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, serotonin, and dopamine.

Acupuncture is regarded as a successful treatment for a wide variety of illnesses and as a whole-body approach to health.

Anxiety Relief

Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects millions of people. It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes, but when anxiety becomes chronic, it can cause problems like PTSD and chronic stress. Finding ways to manage anxiety is essential, and acupuncture can be an effective treatment option.

Acupuncture performed by Ming Health is shown to change activity in parts of the brain that play a role in emotions, behavior, and attention. It can promote relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing sensitivity to pain and stress, and deactivating the analytical brain involved in worry and anxiety.

According to recent studies, acupuncture relieves anxiety in just a few sessions and is more effective than anti-anxiety medications. Often, patients can stop taking medication after getting to the desired effect and continue treatment with acupuncture for maintenance.

Insomnia Relief

If you have insomnia, acupuncture might be the answer. It can also address any underlying health issues that make it difficult for you to get restful sleep, which may help you fall asleep faster and remain asleep longer.

The importance of getting adequate sleep for mental health and the tension and despair that can result from difficulty falling or staying asleep. It can even affect your relationships with friends and family.

Acupuncture has been shown to relieve insomnia, and research shows that it is more effective than sedative medications in treating the condition. Additionally, acupuncture can stimulate the release of feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which can alleviate feelings of depression. These changes result from a restored energy flow throughout the body and the channels, or meridians.

Depression Relief

Depression is a widespread mental health condition that can be challenging to cure. Acupuncture is a great way to help improve symptoms of depression when combined with therapy and medication.

According to numerous studies, acupuncture can reduce the symptoms of depression by promoting endorphin release and altering the hormone cycle, including that of cortisol. It also promotes the relaxation response by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system to counteract the stress-causing sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) response.

Acupuncture can help reduce the symptoms of depression by relieving pain, improving sleep, and increasing energy levels. Additionally, for some people, it helps lessen the frequency of migraines connected to depression. In one study, acupuncture was as effective as the antidepressant medication fluoxetine at treating depression.

Jane