Most of us have experienced both mental and physical symptoms of anxiety at some point in our lives. It could be as mild as sweating before a first date, or feeling our stomach in knots during public speaking. Some experience their anxiety as racing thoughts, others have more experiences of fear, dread, and irritability and some experience increased heart rate and hyperventilation. Anxiety is one of the most clear examples of the influence our mind has over our bodies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, anti-anxiety medications, and acupuncture have all been shown to be helpful in treating anxiety. All three modalities complement one another and can be safely used together. A recent systematic review published in 2018, reported that acupuncture enhances response to prescription anti-anxiety medications and may also reduce medication side-effects.Acupuncture reduces symptoms of anxiety and improves people’s quality of life with fewer side-effects by releasing neurotransmitters that help regulate emotions (serotonin + endorphins), decrease stress-related hormones (cortisol), modulating the autonomic nervous system, and promote immune system health.
