Homemade Acupuncture Strategies For Managing Anxiety
Acupuncture relies on stimulating specific points in the body, most often with needles, to improve health and well-being.
So how do you maintain those feel-good results in between sessions? “There are a number of things people can do at home to extend the benefits they achieve immediately after an acupuncture session,” Kulas says. Here are six of his favorites:
How Does Acupuncture Work According To Tcm
In TCM, your qi is the flow of energy through your body. Qi streams through your body on energy channels known as meridians.
Its believed that if your energy becomes blocked or stopped up, it may result in illness. This could present with physical symptoms, such as an aching back, or emotional symptoms, such as stress and anxiety.
Acupuncture is believed to help remove blockages and restore energy flow, balancing your organs, mind, and body.
research does show that the needles from acupuncture treatments release endorphins in your body.
Endorphins are your bodys natural painkillers. An increase in these hormones could provide a natural boost to your body and brain.
This boost could bring about relief from symptoms of many conditions, including pain, depression, and headache.
Point : Hundred Meetings Or Governing Vessel 20
To find this point, use both hands to trace from the tops of the ears to the center of the top of your head. This point can help with racing thoughts and existential anxiety. For those that experience anxiety in their body as jaw clenching, this is a good point for releasing that. This point can also raise yang energy, lifting depression and sadness.
Administering acupressure on yourself is a great daily practice, and these points are a helpful starter pack for anxiety. If your anxiety is ongoing or you would like more support, you can always reach out to me with questions or to set up an appointment.
5 Acupoints for Anxiety You Can Administer Yourself was last modified: January 25th, 2021 by admin
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How To Find A Licensed Acupuncturist
Consulting with your doctor or other healthcare professional is a good place to start, especially if you have an underlying health issue. They are in the best position to determine if acupuncture treatment is a good fit for you when they know your history and current health status. Your doctor may even be able to refer you to a good acupuncturist.
When looking for an acupuncturist, look for one that is licensed and is in compliance with state requirements. Most states require you to complete an exam from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Look out for the title, LAc which stands for a licensed acupuncturist, or seek out a higher qualified acupuncturist, like a Doctor of Chinese Medicine who has practiced and studied even more extensively. You can use their directory here to check practitioner credentials. You can also ask your friends, support group members or find one using the tool below:
- Patient Referral Directory. Not all acupuncturists are doctors, but there are some medical doctors who are acupuncturists. You can find one using this tool.
Once you have found an acupuncturist, you can ask if they offer consultations to determine if acupuncture is right for you. Ask the practitioner what to expect in the treatment, if it would help your anxiety symptoms, and how much the procedure would cost.
Enjoy being poked and reaping all the wonderful benefits of acupuncture! You never know until you try.
Where Are Acupuncture Needles Placed For Anxiety
5 Answers
In Chinese Medicine, the Individual is treated, not the disease, condition or symptom. That being said, there are some reliable points on the body that do not disappoint for treating a person with anxiety. Ear Points are extremely effective. And the relationship between organ partners is usually the guiding Point Selection Principle. For Example, if the Anxiety is due to a poor relationship between the Heart and Kidney, then the relationship between those to “Zang” organs is re-established in the Acupuncture Treatment.
I have been receiving acupuncture for the past couple of years now – for multiple things, but certainly for anxiety. Although i know there’s specific points, such as the 3rd eye point and other forehead points , the whole experience is meditative and such great medicine for anxiety/stress for me personally!
There are three possible levels of treatment: symptomatic, corrective and preventive.
Symptomatic treatment only relieves the symptom temporarily. We do have points which can relieve anxiety temporarily they are on the forehead, neck, ear and wrist. However acupuncturists prefer to go beyond symptomatic treatment to corrective and preventive treatment.
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Where Do The Needles Go
There are many styles of acupuncture, several âmicro-systemsâ of acupuncture, and many theories on how to pick the location of points to use to treat a given problem. And they all work! There are thousands of acupuncture points on the body. Some are mapped on the meridians and some are single âexperienceâ points that have been documented to have a specific effect for a specific problem. Auricular acupuncture maps the whole body on the ear. Korean style acupuncture maps the whole body on the hand. There are several styles of scalp acupuncture. And there are many methods of manipulating the needles to achieve the desired effect on the energy in the body.
The most powerful points on the body are located from the elbow to the fingertips and from the knee to the tips of the toes. I most often choose to use these points. Though it is perfectly acceptable to do so, I almost never needle the part of the body that has pain.
About the Author: Joyce Marley is a licensed acupuncturist with a practice in New Hartford, NY. She writes alternative health articles about acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Other Tips For Relieving Anxiety
While acupressure may help some people with anxiety, researchers have thoroughly tested many other interventions. Some strategies that may help include:
- Therapy: Therapy can help a person identify effective strategies for managing their anxiety, controlling automatic negative thoughts, and coping with trauma. The state board of health can confirm all licensed therapists in a persons state.
- Medication: Some people may find that medications help. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications can ease symptoms of panic, while antidepressants may help people with chronic anxiety and anxiety relating to depression.
- Alternative medicine: In addition to acupressure, some people report relief from other complementary approaches, such as massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic care. It is important that people seek a practitioner licensed in their state.
- anxiety is chronic or severe enough to interfere with daily life
- home or alternative remedies do not work
- a person does not get relief from therapy
- a person experiences side effects associated with medication, or medication does not work
- a person experiences thoughts of suicide or self-harm
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The Symptoms Of Anxiety Include:
- Feelings of worry, fear, or dread
- Sleeping difficulties
- Digestive issues
These symptoms of anxiety sometimes vary with different anxiety disorders, and these disorders include generalized anxiety disorder , obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, phobias, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Usually, these disorders are treated with medications, CBT, or both. But not everyone responds to these treatments. Plus, there can be crazy side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and the possibility of addiction from using medications. Thankfully, there are several complementary and alternative treatments, including acupuncture, that can help alleviate anxiety for a more holistic approach !
Acupuncture : Heres What You Can Expect
Sticking needles into your skin might not sound like a good way to feel better. But thats exactly how acupuncture works. In fact, the traditional Chinese practice has been used for centuries to treat all sorts of health conditions and its still very common.
Brian Linh Nguyen, MD, a family physician at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California with a masters degree in traditional Chinese medicine, answers some common questions about how acupuncture works and what you can expect.
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How Often Should You Get Acupuncture For Anxiety
Simon says that you dont just get acupuncture once for anxiety. Ultimately, were trying to train the nervous system to behave differently, he notes. Much like learning any new skill, this requires repetition to make a sustained change. He also says each patient is different just like each practitioner is different. And acupuncture is not monolithic: there are many, many different styles of acupuncture some are ancient some are less than 30 years old. Some styles might be better for one patient while another patient, with the very same Western diagnosis, may respond better to another.
Shestopal agrees about playing the long game when it comes to acupuncture for anxiety. While acupuncture gives great relief for a wide array of conditions, for the issue to get better and results to last, one will need a round of treatments, she says. A person may feel relief from the very first treatment, but to get long-lasting results, it may take six or 12 treatments. The number of treatments depends on how long-standing and severe the issue may be. And Ingegno points out that, usually, people will feel calmer during their first treatment. But that wont mean they are cured acupuncture is a therapy and results are cumulative.
Point : The Third Eye Or Yintang
Known well to yogis, this point is located between the eyebrows. This is another good point for insomnia. It is located right over the pineal gland, which helps regulate melatonin. Besides insomnia, this point is known for taking the edge off feelings of restlessness and helps with overall emotional well-being.
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Does Bcbs Cover Acupuncture Read This Before Moving On
An alternative medicine program, which offers significant discounts to members on services such as acupuncture, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, and yoga instruction, was recently announced by the horizon blue cross blue shield of new jersey.
In addition to offering discounts, the program also encourages members to participate in wellness programs, including exercise classes, yoga and Pilates, as well as to take advantage of the companys health and wellness benefits. The program is available to all members, regardless of whether they have health insurance or not.
Gall Bladder 21 Shoulder Well
Location: at the highest point of the shoulder , at the midpoint between the spine and the rotator cuff
Actions: a go-to area for massage, pressing into GB-21 strongly descends energy to release stress and tension held in the upper body, and, can help alleviate anger, migraines, and high blood pressure. Also helpful for those who feel you carry the burden of the world on your shoulders. As you press on this point, be sure you maintain steady breaths into your abdomen. Note: Do not use if pregnant.
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How Do I Know If Its Right For Me
If youre considering acupuncture, its always good to do some research, study the potential benefits and risks, and weigh your options. Likewise, its not a bad idea to get a second opinion from a doctor or healthcare provider you trust.
Consider these questions before you sign up for an acupuncture session:
- Am I open to the concept? If youre too skeptical, you might look for reasons the treatment didnt work.
- Can I commit to regular treatments? Acupuncture is an ongoing therapy. You may need to see your practitioner regularly.
- Can I afford acupuncture? If your insurance does not cover this treatment, you will have to pay out of pocket for it. That can be costly, especially if you have multiple treatments weekly or monthly.
The Mechanics Of Acupuncture For Anxiety Management
Hsu says acupuncture has increased in popularity since the 1970s simply because it works, and now theres growing research supporting its effectiveness for anxiety and other mental conditions.
For instance, in a study published online in October 2013 in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, students who underwent a 20-minute acupuncture session were found to have less anxiety and better memory immediately afterward than those who didn’t have acupuncture.
Why does it work? Eshkevari explains that external circumstances beyond your control can set off your anxiety and that acupuncture allows your body to take back control.
Were constantly under stress and pressure to perform, which can bring on disease and other serious health issues, Hsu says. Acupuncture is great for maintenance. It helps a long life become a better-quality life.
How does it work? Led by Eshkevari, researchers at Georgetown University used lab studies to demonstrate that acupuncture slows the bodys production of stress hormones. Their findings were .
Few procedures work 100 percent of the time. That includes acupuncture, but it does have benefits that conventional treatments like psychotherapy and medication do not, Eshkevari says. She explains that side effects, such as bruising and dizziness, are minimal and uncommon, whereas some prescription drugs can have serious side effects and can lead to dependency.
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The Role Of Serotonin In The Development Of Acupuncture Analgesia
When acupuncture needles are inserted into muscles for the purpose of bringing about the development of AA, the consequent needle-induced stimulation of A-delta skin and Groups II & III muscle sensory afferents has several effects, including the creation of activity in the serotonin-mediated descending pain inhibitory system situated in the dorsolateral funiculus . And, therefore, in view of this, it is hardly surprising that the development of AA is now known to be influenced by alterations in the central nervous system’s serotonin levels.
Han & Terenius state that those initially engaged in research into the various aspects of AA at the Peking Medical College, reported in 1975 that para-chlorphenylalanine, a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, when injected into the lateral ventricle of the rabbit, inhibits its development. Following this McLennan et al found that cyproheptadine, a serotonin receptor antagonist also does this. Later, in 1979, Kin et al demonstrated that cianserin, another serotonin receptor blocker, has a similar effect in the cat.
Conversely, Han et al found that the intraventricular administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan, a serotonin precursor, enhances the production of AA in the rat.
With respect to humans, Han & Terenius found that the administration of either clomipramine which blocks the re-uptake of serotonin, or pargyline, which blocks its degradation, augmented the effect of AA in patients who were undergoing the removal of impacted molar teeth.
Getting Started With Acupuncture
When it comes to trying acupuncture, you have nothing to lose, Hsu says. With a certified acupuncturist, the risks are almost nonexistent and are far outweighed by the potential benefits. The majority of Eshkevaris patients have told her they sleep better and have a stronger sense of overall well-being after just a few sessions.
If you’re already receiving treatment for anxiety, Eshkevari suggests adding acupuncture to your current regimen. If you decide it works for you, you can work with your doctor to wean off anxiety medication. First, though, contact your insurance provider to find out whether it covers any acupuncturists in your area. Then talk with a practitioner ask questions and openly discuss a potential treatment plan.
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Other Complementary And Alternative Anxiety Treatments To Try With Acupuncture
You can participate actively in your health by adopting a new lifestyle and behavior changes that can help reduce stress, anxiety and improve your overall mental health and emotional wellbeing. Other natural, alternative treatments you can consider are:
- Eat healthy food. Unhealthy foods, such as fried foods, coffee, excess refined sugar, and alcohol can increase your stress levels.
- Limiting caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can make you feel jittery and make it difficult for you to handle anxiety well.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco use. This can make your anxiety symptoms worse and occur more frequently.
- Add nutritional supplements and herbs such as chamomile, vitamin B-12, valerian, passionflower, or Kava root .
- Get adequate and high quality sleep
- Try massage therapy
Q: Do You Have Any Tips For Finding An Acupuncturist
A: Look for a licensed acupuncturist. For example, in California you have to go through an extensive education program, followed by a state board licensing exam. And to maintain your license, you must do ongoing continuing education. So, make sure you choose someone who is licensed. Other than that, approach it the same way you would try to choose any other type of doctor ask friends and family, and look at reviews.
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Point : Shen Men Or Heart 7
This point is located on the inside of your wrist, in the crease, on the side where your pinky finger is. This point is great if you have trouble falling asleep due to anxiety or if you wake up in the middle of the night feeling anxious. Massaging this point calms the heart and anxiety along with it.