There’s a good chance you’ve heard about the practice of acupuncture at some point in your life and know that it involves tiny needles strategically placed around the body to relieve various pains and ailments. Originating in China, the practicehas been used for thousands of years and to this day we are still learning all about the many different acupuncture benefits that exist. We know it can relieve all kinds ofpain and health issues, but were you aware that acupuncture can be integrated into a person’s wellness regimen to support their mental health – especially anxiety and depression?

Acupuncture and Mental Health

One of the many great things about acupuncture is the fact thatthere are little to no downsides to receiving this holistic treatment.There are pressure points located all over the body, and when the acupuncture needles are tactically placed to these points, the nervous system is stimulated. This not only causes the symptoms of different ailments to be reduced, but it helps to treat the illness at the actual source, instead of simply masking it. Let’s take a closer look at how acupuncture benefits mental health:

-Anxiety

According to the ADAA, it’s estimated that about 19% of the adult population in the US is affected by some form of an anxiety disorder. This is a staggering number, but we are constantly learning about how to reduce the prevalence and severity of anxiety. While more researchneeds to be done, there’s evidence that acupuncture can be a viable treatment option for managing anxiety.In this study published in 2021, it was found that acupuncture can certainly play a positive role in reducing symptoms associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Acupuncture is known to leave people feeling calmer and soothed, especially when receiving it consistently through a personalized treatment protocol.

-Depression

Depression is another condition that is extremely common and that affects people across all demographics. Therapy and antidepressant medications are known to help treat this mental state, but now more than ever, people are looking for supplemental and holistic ways to diminish its effects. One study that was completed in China with over 2000 participants shows that acupuncture does indeed have substantial benefits in relieving depression, especially when used complementary with other therapies.

Acupuncture’s benefits to mental health don’t stop with anxiety and depression. This practice can also help treat those living with chronic stress, insomnia, addiction, and even PTSD. When states of stress occur during prolonged periods of time, our nervous system goes into survival mode leaving us experiencing intense symptoms and reactive in situations that don’t require such an intense response. This can cause a variety of chronic illnesses and symptoms which are related with our mental health.Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, thus reduces symptomatology and improves our mental health!

Depression and anxiety are two of the most prevalent mental illnesses in today’s world and many that suffer from them are understandably looking for holistic practices that they can incorporate into their lives to help curb the symptoms and improve their quality of life. Acupuncture is one of the most revered holistic treatments, especially because it can be utilized to target specific problems.

Acupuncture at ReConnect

Here at ReConnect, our acupuncturist is one of the best holistic practitioners that aligns with our values of healing at the source through integrative wellness practices. We fully believe in restoring the whole body from the inside out, because that’s when you’re able to begin feeling your absolute bestand when you can connect and express who you truly ar, your essence and own light.

If you’re in the Austin region and want to give acupuncture for anxiety and depression a chance, you can book a free consultation with us at ReConnect to begin your journey to total body wellness.