In the last few years, there has been an increase of patients who are seeking help for anxiety. This is often accompanied by low moods and feelings of hopelessness that can be recognised as depression.
According to research, two-thirds of three million estimated UK sufferers do not seek treatment. A study by the British Acupuncture Council and Anxiety UK suggests that this may be due to a lack of understanding of complementary therapies, such as acupuncture. The study revealed that 66.5% of respondents admitted to ‘trying and getting on with things’ instead of seeking help, despite the fact that 50% reported that their condition affected both their career and relationship.
They include anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD). These disorders can be chronic, causing significant distress and disability.
Anxiety can also cause physical symptoms, such as sweating and nausea. It may also lead to dizziness and shortness of breath.
Can acupuncture help?
Chinese medicine recognizes “anxiety” as one of the “five minds”. These are mental states which allow us to navigate in our environment. It is our ability to protect ourselves in a healthy mental and physical state that allows us to be self-aware.
Unbalances in your physical and mental physiology may lead to anxiety and increased alertness when there is no reason for it.
When combined with other techniques such as CBT or counselling, it can have a much greater impact. These techniques can be very helpful in managing anxiety. For Acupuncture Gloucester, visit purelandsacu.co.uk/acupuncture-gloucester
What is acupuncture treatment?
To identify patterns of disruption, specific diagnostic techniques are used, including tongue and pulse diagnosis and abdominal and channel palpation.
The needles are placed in certain points to stimulate and correct your body and mind’s normal physiological functions.