Acupuncture For Stress Management, Anxiety & Depression
Acupuncture is helpful when it comes to mental health? The answer is a resounding yes. While acupuncture is often associated with treating chronic pain, this therapy is very effective for supporting the mind in addition to the body.
In the last blog post, we introduced the concept of Yin and Yang briefly. Fire represents Yang and water represents Yin symbolically. The properties of Yang manifest as heat, brightness, excitement, potency, and movement (outward and upward). Yin manifests as coldness, darkness, inhibition, weakness, and stillness (inward and downward). While this appears binary in nature, Yin and Yang are very fluid, constantly changing, and always present together.
Within the theory of Yin and Yang, there are different organ systems that are described as Yin organs and Yang organs. Additionally, there is a spiritual and emotional component to these organs. As illustrated in the “Handbook of Oriental Medicine” by H.B. Kim:
While this is merely scratching the surface, this graphic provides enough information to help answer the question: “How does it work?”
Through observation and subjective information, this gives a practitioner the details necessary to make a diagnosis. We look at Yin and Yang to focus treatment on rebalancing and bringing them back into harmony. As mentioned, Yang is hot and tends to move upward. If there is excess Yang, this can result in Yang rising to the head and manifesting as anxiety, headaches, and high blood pressure (including red cheeks)
Presenting factors such as stress, anger, and disrupted sleep lead us to treat the Liver system. If anxiety and heart palpitations present, the Heart system is part of diagnosis and treatment. Generally speaking, many practitioners select points based on these constitutional diagnoses and may add additional points for a particular sign or symptom. Usually there is more than one organ system that needs support/treatment.
A common response after a patient’s first visit is “I feel relaxed.” Even if the focus is not centered on the mind, acupuncture treatment regulates the nervous system. Rebalancing Yin and Yang is similar to rebalancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. However, we can dive deeper and provide more direct support as it relates to stress management, anxiety, and depression as illustrated above.
Acupuncture often provides positive effects for more serious mental health concerns such as addiction, bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia. However, every individual is unique and responds differently to treatment. It is important for us to work in collaboration with other healthcare providers including psychologists and psychiatrists. Acupuncture is not a substitute for medications in these situations.
This is a brief overview on the power of acupuncture as it relates to mental health and the mind-body connection. Dr. Kehoe has a particular interest in this area, and his continuing education includes certification in TCM Psychiatry with Dr. Joseph Yang. You can schedule your appointment here or call us at (408) 906-9645. We are available for 10-minute complementary phone consultations to discuss whether acupuncture is a good fit for you.
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Kim, H.B. “Handbook of Oriental Medicine.” 5th Edition. Acupuncture Media. 2015.
Deadman, Peter, Mazin Al-Khafaji, and Kevin Baker. “A Manual of Acupuncture.” 2nd Edition. East Sussex, England. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications. 2001.