Acupuncture and Anxiety
Anxiety is a serious medical disorder affecting approximately 19 million adults in the United States each year. Most people experience mild anxiety, which is brief and usually caused by a stressful situation, such as public speaking, job interviews or social events. In this case the anxiety is short term and will be resolved quickly. Long term persistent anxiety is a chronic condition which can become worse if not treated effectively. This disorder can cause people to become fearful and overwhelmed by the anxiety. Acupuncture is an effective treatment and aims to correct the root cause of the disorder. With specific point selection and herbal treatments a new balance can be achieved.
Anxiety can fall under a wide umbrella of disorders: panic, obsessive-compulsive, post-traumatic stress, social phobia and general anxiety disorders. While each disorder has specific features they all have in common: excessive, irrational fear and dread. Symptoms can cause uncontrollable worry, irritability, fatigue, tension, sleep disorders, palpitations and becoming startled easily. Western treatment focuses on prescription drug therapy to restore chemical balance in the brain. These drugs are intended for short term use, because some have shown to be addictive and have numerous side effects: decreased appetite, dry mouth, constipation, sexual side effects and many more.
The theory of Chinese Medicine is based on the flow of energy throughout the body. If a blockage or imbalance occurs it will negatively affect your health. Like a river, when debris accumulates, water is prevented or limited to flow down stream. For optimal health and wellness the energy must flow freely. When you experience these emotions intensely the energy stops moving smoothly. These feelings could last for a moment or extend for years.
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are often used together in the treatment of medical disorders. Individual herbs can be directed to treat your specific constitutional factors. Patients are often afraid of taking western medicine long term and find the side effects intolerable. Herbal Formulas can expedite the recovery process, build, support or tonify the body. With the ability to address the underlying imbalance Chinese medicine can treat numerous conditions. Herbs are a natural, safe and effective choice to regain the balance in your life.
