Anxiety

Acupuncture works by retraining our brains to heal and rewire in a desirable way. Acupuncture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of our central nervous system that can counteract the fight or flight response. Stimulating this system produces a feeling of relaxation and calm. With acupuncture your brain will counter the effects of depression by learning to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system.

The auricular acupuncture reduces anxiety because the ear is innervated by the vagus nerve, which connects directly to the brain. This nerve is associated with anti-inflammatory and calming actions, therefore stimulating it results in hormonal changes that cause a decrease in anxiety symptoms.  NADA is a simple auricular acupuncture protocol that can be used to help people suffering from anxiety or anxiety-like disorders. During the early 2000s, the world realized that the NADA protocol was helpful as a stress reduction technique, improving sleep and coping for people who experienced trauma. Auricular acupuncture can alleviate anxiety symptoms and bring the patients better sleep and clarity of mind. 

Changing one’s diet can help nourish one’s body and lower one’s anxiety. Refined sugars and coffee have been linked to mental health issues due to their effects on the endocrine system and depletion of B vitamins. Substituting foods that exhaust the adrenal system can help reduce anxiety.

Chinese herbal formulas have been used for thousands of years and are mainly used to treat stress and anxiety. Due to the non-toxic properties of Chinese herbal medicine, it has been accepted by most conventional medicine doctors. Herbs can be powerful if taken as prescribed. Be sure to consult a licensed acupuncturist if you are taking any herbal medicine.