Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It can manifest in different ways, including excessive worry, restlessness, and panic attacks. While there are various conventional treatments available, some individuals seek complementary and alternative medicine to improve their symptoms. One such treatment that has gained popularity in recent years is acupuncture coupled with traditional Chinese medicine. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine for individuals suffering from anxiety, backed by scientific articles.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. It is believed that acupuncture can adjust the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, release neurotransmitters such as endorphins, and regulate cortisol levels in the body, reducing stress levels.

According to a study conducted by the University of York, England, acupuncture may help reduce symptoms. In this randomized controlled trial, patients with moderate to severe anxiety received ten sessions of acupuncture over a twelve-week period. The results demonstrated that patients receiving traditional acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in symptoms compared to the control group. Another study conducted by researchers from Kyung-Hee University in Korea found that acupuncture treatment can activate the hippocampus and the amygdala, two areas of the brain linked to regulating anxiety.

Acupuncture’s ability to balance energy flow within the body is one of the essential principles of traditional Chinese medicine. The harmonious flow of energy can help increase an individual’s sense of well-being, mental clarity while reducing anxiety symptoms. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine recognizes that anxiety may have different underlying causes, such as weak digestive function and liver qi stagnation.

In one systematic review conducted by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, researchers stated that traditional Chinese medicine could improve anxiety and depression symptoms. This review examined various studies on anxiety and depression research between 1990 and 2009. The findings indicated that traditional Chinese medicine, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, and Qigong, may be beneficial in treating these disorders.