Anxiety is a common disorder, or mental illness, defined by feelings of uneasiness, worry, and fear. It is common for everyone to experience bouts at various times. People with anxiety disorders feel an inappropriate amount of anxiety, which is greater and more frequent than what might be considered reasonable.
There are 13 different sub-classifications of anxiety disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, with symptoms and physical manifestations varying considerably. From shortness of breath and variations in heart rate, to full blown and debilitating panic attacks, headaches, pain and insomnia. Anxiety is a complex, pervasive condition that is generally treated using medication.
Generally people who are prone to anxiety disorders have anxious personalities that make them susceptible to stress. Others have risk factors for anxiety disorders that include trauma, stress due to illness, stress buildup (Stress does not go away, it accumulates.). And still others have mental health disorders such as depression, drug or alcohol abuse, or having blood relatives with anxiety disorders.
Anxiety signs and symptoms can be the first indicators of conditions including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism
- Respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma
- Drug or alcohol abuse or withdrawal
- Chronic pain or (IBS) irritable bowel syndrome
Anxiety & Evidence For Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture has been found to be an effective way to restore balance in the body (of Yin and Yang), which can alleviate emotional disorders of stress and anxiety. It is a natural way to treat anxiety; working faster than therapy and keeps you drug-free. When acupuncture is effective, symptoms lessen after the first few visits, and practitioners are confident it attacks the problem at its roots.
Acupuncture balances the Qi energy or life force that, like blood in the circulatory system, flows through the body’s pathways or meridians. By inserting tiny needles into and around specific points, acudetox practitioners help allow the body’s energy flow to re-balanced.
Acupuncture can be used for treating mood swings. It can also be used to treat pain by stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This boosts the body’s natural painkillers and increases blood flow.
Studies
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.
‘According to the most up to date evidence, acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety. In 2017, The Acupuncture Evidence Project, co-authored by Dr John McDonald, PhD and Dr Stephen Janz,1 was published, providing an up-to-date comparative review of the clinical and scientific evidence for acupuncture. This comprehensive document, updating two previous reviews, determined that acupuncture is moderately effective in treating anxiety according to high level evidence.2 Their evidence included a 2016 systematic review with over 400 randomised patients that concluded that ‘the effects from acupuncture for treating anxiety have been shown to be significant as compared to conventional treatments.’3 The largest of these studies, which included 120 randomized patients, found that acupuncture had a large effect on reducing anxiety and depression compared to conventional treatment involving pharmalogical approaches and psychotherapy, with over twice the reduction in symptoms.4
A more recent systematic review published in 2018 found that all 13 included studies “reported an anxiety decrease for their treatment group relative to the control groups.” Three of these studies used pharmaceuticals as controls.5 ‘ (Source)
The conventional treatment of anxiety primarily involves some combination pharmacological and psychological interventions.
There are several medications that are prescribed for anxiety, either singularly or in combination. According to recent research, around 50% of patients treated with pharmaceuticals have an ‘inadequate response,’ meaning that their symptoms are not alleviated to clinically significant levels or that the patient experiences adverse side effects.
Behavioural Approach
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based CBT are two other popular and effective forms of conventional treatment and may be prescribed as standalone therapies, or in combination with medications. CBT is a ‘talking therapy’ that aims to overcome inaccurate or negative thought patterns. this has been found to have had a moderate to large effect on reducing anxiety from a variety of causes.
When the body is under stress, an area of the brain called the hypothalamus releases neurochemicals, and research shows that acupuncture can calm this response.
Acupuncture has been shown to improve the body’s ability to cope with stress through improving HRV (Heart Rates Variability). Acupuncture has also been shown to increase the release of endorphins, the body’s own ‘feel-good’ chemicals, which play an important role in the regulation of physical and emotional stress responses such as pain, heart rate, blood pressure and digestive function.
All of these acupuncture mechanisms have a direct effect on reducing anxiety.
Studies show that acupuncture is more effective than pharmacotherapy and comparable to talking therapy, making it a helpful referral choice.
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.
Treating Anxiety
If you’re already receiving treatment for anxiety, consider adding acupuncture to your current regimen. If you decide it works for you, you can work with your doctor to weaned off your medication.
People treated with acupuncture often see results after one session, and the results improve with continued treatment. AcuDetox auricular acupuncture is particularly helpful for people who want to limit or stop drug use — prescription or otherwise. Because it regulates the body’s chemical balance naturally, acupuncture can even prevent people from needing medication at all.
If you’re suffering from anxiety, you can schedule an appointment for an auricular acupuncture consultation and AcuDetox session.
Click to order your copy today!
References
1. McDonald J, Janz S. The Acupuncture Evidence Project: A Comparative Literature Review. Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd. 2017.
2. Bazzan AJ, Zabrecky G, Monti DA, Newberg AB. Current evidence regarding the management of mood and anxiety disorders using complementary and alternative medicine. Expert Rev Neurother. 2014;14:411- 23.
3. Goyata SL, Avelino CC, Santos SV, Souza Junior DI, Gurgel MD, Terra FS. Effects from acupuncture in treating anxiety: integrative review. Rev Bras Enferm. 2016 Jun;69(3):602-9.
4. Arvidsdotter, T., Marklund, B., & Taft, C. (2013). Effects of an integrative treatment, therapeutic acupuncture and conventional treatment in alleviating psychological distress in primary care patients–a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 13(1), 308. http://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-308
5. Amorim, D., Amado, J., Brito, I., Fiuza, S. M., Clinical, N. A. T. I., 2018. (n.d.). Acupuncture and electroacupuncture for anxiety disorders: A systematic review of the clinical research. Elsevier. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.01.008
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You’ve highlighted some pivotal elements of anxiety disorders, especially the distinction between normal anxiety and the overwhelming experiences that those with anxiety disorders face. I often wonder about the role of societal and cultural expectations in exacerbating anxiety symptoms. For instance, the pressure to constantly perform in both professional and personal spheres can create an environment where anxiety flourishes.
Your insights on anxiety really resonate with me. It’s fascinating, yet daunting, how pervasive anxiety can be across different facets of our lives. Personally, I’ve experienced both the fleeting moments of everyday worry and the heavier layers of anxiety that feel nearly unshakeable. It’s interesting to consider how our personalities shape our interactions with stress; some of us might seem naturally predisposed to it, while others appear unfazed.
It’s great to hear how my thoughts on anxiety resonate with your experiences. You pointed out something really important about the different layers of anxiety—how it can surface as both quick worries and deep-seated feelings that linger. This complexity often makes it challenging to navigate, especially since those heavier layers can feel almost like a weight we carry around.
You’ve touched on a critical issue that many people struggle with, especially in today’s fast-paced world. While anxiety is often portrayed as an individual struggle, I believe it’s essential to view it within a larger societal context. The pressures of modern life—constant connectivity, high expectations in work and personal life, and even social media—can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.
This post sheds light on a deeply important subject that many people, including myself, can relate to in varying degrees. The complexity of anxiety disorders really resonates with my own experiences and observations of those around me. It’s interesting how you mention that everyone experiences anxiety at times, yet for some, it can spiral into something unmanageable and persistent. I think it’s crucial to highlight the distinction between occasional anxiety—which can even motivate us to prepare and perform—and debilitating anxiety that disrupts daily life.
It’s fascinating yet disheartening to see how anxiety infiltrates so many aspects of life. I appreciate how you outlined the various sub-classifications and symptoms, as it really highlights the complexity of this condition. Personally, I’ve noticed that my own anxiety tends to manifest in physical ways—like an increased heart rate or tension headaches—often during particularly stressful periods.
You raise an important point about how anxiety can take on physical forms, which is something many people don’t always realize. It’s easy to think of anxiety as just an emotional experience, but its impact stretches far beyond that. Your mention of symptoms like increased heart rate and tension headaches rings true for so many. It’s almost like anxiety has a sneaky way of embedding itself in our very bodies, making it hard to separate the mind from the physical experience.
It’s intriguing to see how anxiety is often generalized, yet it manifests differently for each person. I resonate with your point about the variability in symptoms depending on the individual. It’s not simply a matter of feeling worried; anxiety can permeate every aspect of life, often without outside observers realizing the depth of someone’s struggle. Personally, I’ve encountered periods where what seemed like routine stress turned into overwhelming anxiety, highlighting how insidious and accumulative it can be.
You make such an important point about how anxiety can be so often misunderstood, especially by those who haven’t experienced it firsthand. It’s fascinating—and a bit concerning—how the symptoms can vary so widely from one person to the next. I’ve noticed that for some, it manifests as physical tension or restlessness, while for others, it might look like avoidance or overthinking. It’s that hidden depth you mentioned that truly makes it complex.
You’ve touched on something really significant about anxiety—it’s like this hidden tapestry of experiences, weaving together different threads that can look entirely different depending on who is wearing it. It’s true that those who haven’t walked that road may struggle to see beyond the surface. For someone experiencing anxiety, what might appear as simple restlessness could be a deep, internal struggle. A person’s avoidance might be a way to shield themselves from overwhelming emotions, while another’s overthinking could be an attempt to regain a sense of control in a world that often feels chaotic.
You’ve brought up a really important aspect of anxiety that doesn’t get nearly enough attention—the way it shows up differently for each person. It’s almost like a chameleon, adapting its color to the environment. Some people are grappling with that tightness in their chest or that urge to pull away from everything, while others are caught in a loop of racing thoughts. It highlights how crucial it is for us to talk openly about these experiences, don’t you think?
You’ve hit on a key point about anxiety’s variability. It’s striking how it can manifest in so many personal ways, often shaped by individual circumstances and coping mechanisms. The tightness in the chest and the racing thoughts you mentioned reflect the physical and mental dimensions of anxiety, which can be challenging to express or even understand at times.
You hit the nail on the head with your experience of anxiety creeping in like an uninvited houseguest. One minute you’re sipping coffee, cruising through your day, and the next—bang!—your brain decides it wants to throw a full-blown anxiety rave in your head. It’s wild how there’s no universal instruction manual for anxiety. For some, it’s a tightness in the chest that feels like a bear hug from a grizzly, while for others, it’s like their brain has suddenly decided to perform a high-speed chase scene with no brakes.
You make a great point about how anxiety manifests differently for each individual. It’s interesting to consider how this variability can sometimes make it hard for others to grasp the full picture of someone’s experience. I’ve noticed in conversations with friends and family that many people carry their struggles in silence, thinking they need to appear ‘put together’ or ‘normal,’ which can lead to this feeling of isolation.
You’ve raised some really important points about the silent struggles many face. It’s true that the pressure to appear ‘put together’ can often feel overwhelming, leading people to hide what they’re going through. I’ve noticed it with friends too—how sometimes the most seemingly ‘normal’ people have battles we might never expect.
You’re so right about that pressure to appear ‘put together.’ It’s interesting how we can often feel isolated in our struggles, especially in a world where social media tends to highlight the perfect moments. I’ve had those experiences too, where someone I thought had it all figured out ended up sharing some heavy stuff they were dealing with. It really underscores how essential it is to create spaces where people feel safe to express what they’re going through without judgment.
You’ve touched on something really vital. The pressure to present an idealized version of ourselves can be so overwhelming, especially with social media acting like a magnifying glass on those ‘perfect moments’. It’s interesting how these platforms tend to highlight the best snippets of our lives while often masking the challenges we face behind the scenes.
You’ve touched on something really profound about the nature of our relationships and the facades we often wear. It’s interesting how we’ve built this culture around needing to look ‘put together,’ isn’t it? I’ve seen it too—friends who seem to have it all figured out, but when we peel back the layers, there’s so much more below the surface.
I recently came across an article that really touches on the importance of our blood health—it’s fascinating how something so fundamental can impact our overall well-being, especially when we consider the hidden struggles people are facing.
‘Healthy Blood: Vital for a Thriving Life’
https://www.acudetoxcapetown.co.za/healthy-blood-vital-for-a-thriving-life/.
I get what you’re saying about stress and its impact on the cardiovascular system. It’s interesting how our bodies react in such a primal way, isn’t it? When adrenaline kicks in, it’s like we’re designed for survival, but in today’s world, a lot of that stress comes from things that don’t require a physical response—like work deadlines or social media pressures.
You’ve touched on a crucial part of how our bodies respond to stress. When adrenaline floods our system, it’s like our body is gearing up for a fight or flight moment—elevating everything from our heart rate to our blood pressure. This burst of energy can feel powerful in the short term, but prolonged exposure to these stresses really takes a toll.
It’s true that exploring alternatives for addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional challenges is crucial, especially in a world where many are seeking drug-free solutions. The idea of therapies that are effective, safe, and low-cost is appealing, especially when conventional methods can sometimes leave individuals feeling more isolated or overwhelmed.
You bring up some really important points about the need for alternative approaches to issues like addiction recovery and mental health challenges. It’s interesting to see how the landscape is shifting towards more holistic, drug-free solutions. I’ve read about practices like mindfulness, yoga, and community-based support systems really making a difference for people. There’s something about connecting with others who understand what you’re going through that can be so healing.
You’re spot on about the shift towards holistic, drug-free solutions. Practices like mindfulness and yoga not only foster self-awareness but also help in managing stress and anxiety in ways traditional methods sometimes miss. Community-based support systems provide a unique sense of belonging. When people connect with others who share similar experiences, it normalizes their struggles and fosters empathy.
You highlight an important point about the search for alternative approaches to mental health and addiction recovery. In a world where many individuals grapple with these challenges, it’s refreshing to consider therapies that prioritize safety, effectiveness, and affordability. It feels like we’re at a crucial juncture where people are beginning to recognize the limitations of conventional treatments, which can sometimes feel compartmentalized and isolating.
You’ve touched on a critical aspect of our current conversation around mental health and addiction recovery, and it’s interesting to think about how people’s experiences shape their perspectives on treatments. You mention that traditional therapies can feel compartmentalized and isolating, which resonates with a lot of individuals facing these issues. Many have shared stories of feeling like they’re just another diagnosis or statistic in a system that doesn’t always take the whole person into account.
It’s interesting to hear about an effective, safe, low-cost, and drug-free therapy for issues like addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional challenges. Personally, I think there’s a growing conversation around the importance of holistic approaches to mental health. Traditional treatments often focus on medication, which can be beneficial in some cases but doesn’t work for everyone and can come with side effects.
It’s interesting to see how you highlight this therapy as an effective, safe, low-cost, and drug-free option for tackling such serious issues like addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I’ve always been curious about non-traditional approaches to mental health and wellness.
Your observation about the therapy being effective, safe, low cost, and drug-free really resonates. It’s exciting to see such a versatile approach gaining recognition for the positive impact it can have on various mental health challenges, including addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.