How to Use Acupuncture for Anxiety? (+3 Possible Side-Effects)

In this brief guide, we will discuss Acupuncture, Acupuncture treatment and the use of Acupuncture for anxiety.

Acupuncture for anxiety: Is it helpful?

Acupuncture for anxiety is helpful. According to a research Acupuncture for anxiety has a calming effect.

Acupuncture helps to reduce anxiety, stress, and panic disorder symptoms.

Even though there is scientific evidence that Acupuncture helps with some symptoms of anxiety, researchers are trying to determine the effects of Acupuncture on specific types of anxiety, such as panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

Reviews report mainly positive findings of Acupuncture for anxiety

Sham-controlled studies registered improvements in anxiety using regular acupuncture and electro-acupuncture.

The authors remarked that acupuncture may have generally positive effects or possibly placebo effects.

Although most controlled studies reviewed reported a general anxiety-reducing effect of acupuncture, the reviewers regarded these findings as inconclusive because of limited follow-up, the absence of standardized symptom rating scales in most studies, and poorly defined differences between protocols used in different studies.

A recent review compared findings of studies on traditional (body) acupuncture, ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy), and electro-therapy in the treatment of anxiety. 

According to some included studies, acupuncture raises the response to prescription anti-anxiety medications and can reduce medication side effects too.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a healing technique that comes from traditional Chinese medicine.

It is based on a concept, which claims that mental health disorders are caused by an energy imbalance in the organism. 

Acupuncture is an alternative way to treat anxiety, depression and it is possible that you feel some positive effects using Acupuncture for anxiety when other treatments don’t make changes.

Treatment session of Acupuncture for anxiety 

During treatment sessions of Acupuncture for anxiety, stress small needles are placed along with specific areas of the body.

A blockage of energy may be occurring in these acupuncture points. The needles are used to open blocked channels of energy and balance the latter. 

The possible side effects of Acupuncture for anxiety

The possible side effects are:

• Sores,
• Bruises,
• A little bleeding,
• Infection if the acupuncturist uses not sterile, disposable needles.

So you shouldn’t worry much as there is nothing serious and you may need just a Band-Aid.

Also, don’t forget to make sure that you go to a licensed acupuncturist. 

If you have already started an anxiety treatment, you shouldn’t stop using medications while getting Acupuncture, without discussing it with your doctor.

You should avoid Acupuncture if you:

• Are in a bleeding condition, for example like haemophilia,
• Have a pacemaker.

Recommended books and sources:

1. Acupuncture for Beginners: Learn How Acupuncture Works for Weight Loss, Anxiety and Stress
2. Acupuncture Points For Anxiety
3. Acupuncture Points Handbook: A Patient’s Guide to the Locations and Functions of over 400 Acupuncture Points (Natural Medicine)
4. Pictorial Atlas of Acupuncture: An Illustrated Manual of Acupuncture Points
5. The Effects of Acupuncture on Neurochemical and Immunological Biomarkers of Generalized Anxiety Disorder  
6. HFNE
7. HFNE “How to overcome anxiety”?

Conclusion

Due to this brief guide, we know the basic things about Acupuncture, its side effects, Acupuncture treatment session process. 

If you try psychotherapy or use some medicines but don’t feel any change, you should try Acupuncture, it may help.

References

1. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture for anxiety disorders: A systematic review of the clinical research
2. Acupuncture as a treatment of anxiety
3. Can Acupuncture Help with Anxiety?