Anxiety and stress can be managed in different ways; however, an increasing number of people are using acupuncture as a meaning of calming their troubled nerves. Acupuncture promotes the feel-good hormones in the body and decreases the level of cortisol and other stress hormones. Studies have revealed that acupuncture for anxiety is a useful therapy, with fewer side effects in comparison to other treatments.
Acupuncture Defined
Acupuncture is basically an archaic practice that involves placing needles into the body at certain pressure points. Its popularity has increased as an alternative treatment for anxiety and scientific evidence has revealed that acupuncture assists in treating certain anxiety symptoms. Nonetheless, scientists are still in the process of determining the effect of acupuncture on specific types of anxiety such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks.
Acupuncture for Anxiety: The Benefits, many studies have been carried out on the effects of this anxiety treatment. The primary focus of the research has been centered on widespread anxiety disorder and it has been found that acupuncture is beneficial in treating general anxiety.
A promising study done in 2015 has shown that acupuncture helped with anxiety symptoms that did not react to other treatments such as psychotherapy and medicines. For 12 weeks, study participants received ten 30-minute acupuncture sessions. The individuals involved experienced a significant decrease in their anxiety, as long as 10 weeks after the treatments.
A study on rats done in 2016 showed that acupuncture effectively reduced anxiety. The researchers found that it influences the way the body stimulates the fight-or-flight response. Deeper knowledge of its effect on phobias, anxiety and panic attacks is needed; however, research is showing promise for acupuncture as an alternative that is viable and safe. If you have anxiety disorder and it has not responded to other treatments, acupuncture could be the answer.
Risks
Acupuncture will not aggravate anxiety; however, there are a few side effects and risks possible. The majority can be avoided by ensuring the services of a licensed acupuncturist is used. The licensing requirements vary from one state to the next; however, most states require sitting an approved examination.
Following a session, soreness is the primary side effect experienced by people who get acupuncture treatment. This normally disappears within a few hours, even though some amount of bruising might still be there for a bit. Additionally, some people feel pinpricks of pain during the session.
