Acupuncture is increasingly becoming recognised as an effective treatment for anxiety and stress, addressing physical and mental symptoms. This TCM technique involves the insertion of fine needles into specific acupuncture points that correspond to different meridians in the body. Through the stimulation of these specific points, acupuncture regulates the energy flow of the body and influences the nervous system, which makes it ideal for stress and anxiety treatment in the UK.
How does acupuncture target anxiety and stress?
Acupuncture has a profound effect on the nervous system and hormonal balance of the body. When specific points are stimulated, they activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation. Furthermore, this complementary therapy reduces the levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone, while increasing serotonin and endorphins.
The different acupuncture points that the experienced acupuncturists at Acubody stimulate for targeting anxiety and stress are:
- Yin Tang – This point is located between the eyebrows, and stimulating it calms the mind, relieves headaches, and reduces stress.
- Du20 BaiHui – This is located at the crown of the head, and stimulating it helps in easing anxiety and balancing emotions.
- HT7 – This point is situated on the wrist crease and is vital for calming the spirit and addressing emotional imbalances like stress and anxiety.
- PC6 – This is located on the inner forearm, and stimulating it is known to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, nausea, and stress.
- Ren 14 Juque – Located on the anterior median line of the upper abdomen. This acupuncture point helps with stress by calming the mind and opening the heart channel.
How does acupuncture work to relieve stress and anxiety?
When acupuncture is used for stress and anxiety treatment in the UK, it works in the following ways to manage the symptoms:
- Regulates the hormonal responses of the body – One of the primary mechanisms through which acupuncture decreases anxiety is by reducing cortisol levels. This hormone is responsible for the stress response, and by keeping it in check, acupuncture helps your body prevent the fight-or-flight response.
- Balances the nervous system – The activation of the parasympathetic nervous system is prompted by acupuncture, which is responsible for calming the body. It helps in reducing symptoms like tension, rapid heartbeat, and shallow breathing commonly associated with stress and anxiety.
- Promotes emotional well-being – The stimulation of key acupuncture points helps in decreasing over activity in the brain regions that are associated with stress and anxiety.
So, are you battling anxiety and stress? Are medications not giving you satisfactory results? Whilst Acubody does not recommend that you stop taking medications, we advise you to come to us for a consultation. Let us provide you with a personalised treatment plan or if you are curious to know more about how to apply this practice for your health, wherever you are in the world we can help. We also offer online consultations, 1:1 lessons and courses as well as including it in our bespoke face to face therapy.
