Image by Thom Sevalrud
If you experience at times of stress difficultly breathing, a constricted chest, heart palpitations (feeling your heart beat), irrational fears, difficulty sleeping, churning and/or obsessive thoughts, you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder. These are the more common symptoms of generalized anxiety, but in no way inclusive of the myriad of ways anxiety can affect you physically and emotionally.
Unbeknownst to many, anxiety disorders are extremely common affecting 40 million adults, aged 18 and older. This is around 18 percent of the US population.
There are many causes of anxiety that range from genetics, side effects of drugs, extremely stressful or traumatic situations, or chronic stress in one’s life. Anxiety disorders can be categorized as generalized anxiety disorder, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety, phobias and depression.
While many times, medications are given to combat these disorders, there are other avenues to treat these conditions. Chronic stress is one major potential cause of generalized anxiety. This is because when the stress hormones- cortisol and corticotropin- are released over an extended period of time, they actually boost anxiety and mood disorders.
Treating Anxiety
Anything that can lower one’s stress level is a great way to begin combating anxiety. Whether that is exercising, taking a walk, having a hot bath, or spending time with friends and loved ones. Meditating, yoga, qigong and tai-chi are other great options. Another alternative to dealing with anxiety as an alternative or even in conjunction with talk therapy or medication is acupuncture! Acupuncture not only has been proven to activate your parasympathetic nervous system (which is part of your autonomic nervous system where the body is able to rest, digest and heal), but it also targets the root of where your anxiety stems from. Classical Five Element acupuncture specializes in understanding what underlies any psycho-emotional issues you may be experiencing and uniquely treats the condition. Each treatment is individualized and believes that by understanding and treating what we call a root elemental imbalance, one can heal from the inside out. If you experience anxiety in any form, consider giving acupuncture a try.
Classical Five Element Acupuncture has exceptional success in addressing anxiety, stress, depression and insomnia. Patients commonly report leaving their treatment sessions feeling clear, calm, having an increased sense of self and ready to engage in their life with a more focused intent free of panic and anxiety. If you have any further questions regarding the treatment of anxiety with acupuncture, please email me at: