Anxiety and Depression

As many as 1 in 4 people in Britain will experience some form of mental health problem in the course of a year. The Office for National statistics survey of 1995 showed as many as 7.7 % of the adult population suffered from a combination of anxiety and depression at any one time. A further 3.1% were found to suffer from generalised anxiety states (without depression) and 2.1 % of the population suffered from depression without anxiety. These large numbers often come as a surprise as mental health problems remain a taboo subject with many people suffering in silence. Some people feel embarrassed about admitting to difficulties with mental health issues in a way that they would never feel about a more physical problem. The lack of external symptoms can sometimes lead to a lack of sympathy from people around them which can further exacerbate the situation.

Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for a whole range of mental health issues from low mood and stress through to anxiety and panic disorders.

In terms of Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by seeking to restore the body’s natural balance. The acupuncturist will take a detailed case history and seek to understand exactly how the patient is suffering. Mental health issues can be caused by a number of different factors and a number of different organs can be involved .In Chinese medicine, different organs are responsible for different emotional states. The Liver is associated with anger (or repressed anger and frustration), it is also responsible for our ability to make plans and see a brighter future (something often lacking when we are depressed) .The Spleen is associated with worry and overthinking and the Kidneys are associated with fear. Too much worry and too much fear can result in obsessive compulsive disorders and phobias. The Heart is associated for Joy and the Pericardium (or Heart Protector) is associated with feelings of vulnerability and anxiety. The acupuncturist will take into account all the signs and symptoms of the patients condition and then make a specific “prescription” of acupuncture points which will be tailored to that particular patient.

From a western medical perspective, acupuncture seems to have an effect on the autonomic nervous system and can trigger the release of cerebral serotonin.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask .We will be happy to answer any queries. Email us at info@woodlandsacupuncture.co.uk and we will aim to respond within 24 hours. If you live in the Manchester area, you can make an appointment for a free 15 minute chat with the acupuncturist to find out how acupuncture could help you.