Acupuncture is an ancient art as professed by hundreds of family lines of Practitioners throughout Asia, and now is practiced throughout most of the World! There is no other form of medicine on the planet that has a theoretical construct (our own system of medicine doesn’t practice from a theoretical construct!), has the vast number of sub-systems and styles, or utilizes the breadth of tools that actually address root causes of illness.
This is why acupuncture has become so popular all over the globe. Having said that, there are still areas, like those who stubbornly cling to Western Medicine when they have an issue that is treated better by an “alternative” approach. Also, many think that acupuncture only treats pain issues and they are flat-out wrong. A common question I get, especially as of late, is: “Does Acupuncture treat anxiety?” The simple answer is YES!
Now, let’s delve a little deeper.
As with any health problem, there needs to be a full description of the complaints with history and details. In Western or Allopathic Medicine (our Country’s system), the goal is to arrive at a diagnosis, which is often a label without a known etiology (cause). I would ask, what is the importance of coming up with a name for a group of symptoms if you don’t know how to treat them? I will answer that question by saying that the medicine is amazing from the surgical, emergency and pathogen-killing end of things, but mediocre at best at treating chronic health issues. This is why there are more visits to Alternative Medicine Practitioners every year than there are to Doctors, because people are waking up to what works.
Please know that this is not an assault on our system of medicine. I used to work on that side and know what it can and cannot do. What bothers me is that they claim they are a one-stop fits all system and it’s simply not true. It’s about money and politics, not what is best for the Patient.
So, back to the matter at hand. What is anxiety? It is a hyper-active nervous system. It is an over-reaction to stimuli, which snow-balls into fear, palpitations, tightness in the chest, shallow-breathing and in severe cases, leads to acidosis (acidic condition), digestive problems, sleep disorders, muscle tension, behavioral and psychological problems and adrenal fatigue, and here’s the rub: These may also underlie anxiety.
Keep in mind that anxiety in certain forms is normal. If you are going to speak to a large group, perform, end a relationship, go home after being fired to tell your family you don’t have a job, etc, a certain level of anxiety is expected, and in fact, if you didn’t have anxiety in these situations, that would lead to concern! Chronic anxiety is often mixed with the physical symptoms listed above and is most likely caused by one or more of the following: nutritional deficiency, pathogens affecting the nervous system (virus attacking nerves), long-standing anxiety-inducing situation that leads to a pattern, low to no exercise/movement, poor sleep/insomnia, dehydration, digestive disease and toxicity issues.
Acupuncture is used to optimize communication, and thus, function in the body. It removes blockages in the tissue and/or nervous system. By opening the flow of blood, energy, fluids, nutrients, oxygen, waste is removed more readily and healing speeds up. A key effect of acupuncture is calming the nervous system. People report feeling more calm and relaxed.
When someone presents with anxiety in my office, I do a detailed intake that leads to tests to root out these underlying conditions. When Patients follow the treatment plan, they get better.
It really is that simple.
Yes, there is work to be done, and some of it may be difficult. Many behaviors that lead to anxiety or depression are often associated with addiction to certain foods, technologies or other lifestyle choices that contribute if not cause their problem(s). When you’re ready to get to work, I am, too.
Call today to ask questions and schedule your first appointment. I have helped people from all over the U.S. You may come to my clinic or, if you choose to forego acupuncture, I will get you on a program and guide you through it via Skype consultations.
Paul Gerst L.Ac. has been Practicing Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine for 21 years, also creating and delivering programs for companies such as 3M, McCain Foods, The Turkey Store and more, treating groups for weight-loss, smoking cessation, pain issues and more.