30 May Acupuncture and Mental Health—What’s the Connection?
From relieving joint pain and reducing eye strain to improving the immune system, acupuncture offers all these benefits and a lot more for your physical health.
However, these benefits often overshadow what we can gain for our mental health as well.
Especially in Asian and Western communities, acupuncture is often used to treat a number of symptoms related of mental and emotional stress ranging from depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, insomnia to dependence on smoking and narcotics.
Acupuncture and its Effect on Mental Health
Let’s make one thing clear here; acupuncture is not a one-size-fit-all treatment for all emotional or mental conditions.
Before treatment, a certified practitioner would take all factors regarding your health into account before deciding on the right method.
Keep in mind, elements of mental stress such as depression and anxiety can cause a number of changes in your body that can lead to even more problems.
For your treatment, your practitioner will have to think long-term, dealing with the physical symptoms of emotional and mental stress while helping your mind relax more.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture is not an exotic form of alternative medicine neither is there anything magical about it. It is however, very much effective because it activates a significant function of the body; self-healing.
When a needle is inserted in a specific area of the body, this triggers the body’s specific nerve. This nerve sends a signal to the brain, indicating that it needs pain relief. As a result, the body releases a neural response in the form of a beta-hormone known as endorphins.
In terms of mental stress and alleviation, endorphins (also called the body’s natural painkiller) help by improving circulation and bringing fresh oxygen to the affected tissue. Whereas in terms of physical issues, this increased flow removes the waste inside the body, prompting a gradual recovery from said ailment. However, for your mental health, the increased oxygen levels and endorphins provide a sort of respite, a biological relief from the pressuring effects of anxiety and depression.
Acupuncture is not an exotic form of alternative medicine neither is there anything magical about it. It is however, very much effective because it activates a significant function of the body; self-healing.
When a needle is inserted in a specific area of the body, this triggers the body’s specific nerve. This nerve sends a signal to the brain, indicating that it needs pain relief. As a result, the body releases a neural response in the form of a beta-hormone known as endorphins.
In terms of mental stress and alleviation, endorphins (also called the body’s natural painkiller) help by improving circulation and bringing fresh oxygen to the affected tissue. Whereas in terms of physical issues, this increased flow removes the waste inside the body, prompting a gradual recovery from said ailment. However, for your mental health, the increased oxygen levels and endorphins provide a sort of respite, a biological relief from the pressuring effects of anxiety and depression.
As a result, people who receive acupuncture therapy Los Angeles report a better sense of stress relief. It should be noted that stress itself can increase your heart rate and cause rapid breathing because it
triggers your fight-or-flight response. But through acupuncture, you’re able to give your body the comfort it wants. The patients feel safer, their mood improves and they receive an emotional boost. In short, acupuncture gives them the emotional and mental support they need, from within.
Looking for Acupuncture Therapy in Los Angeles?
I offer acupuncture and acupressure treatment to all in Los Angeles!
Providing numerous other alternative health service in Los Angeles and wellness services alongside, I try my best to make sure that my patients benefit from the effects of acupuncture fully, with the right diet and guidance.
For more information on acupuncture, contact me and allow me to help!