Stress and anxiety affect most people at some stage of their lives. According to nonprofit health resource Helpguide.org, a small amount of stress can be beneficial; it may aid performance under pressure and help an individual stay focused and alert. If a person is continually stressed, however, it can have a negative effect on health and may exacerbate existing health problems. A number of strategies are available to manage anxiety and stress. Acupuncture may help to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Philosophy
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that originated in the Far East. It has been used to treat a number of ailments for over 2,000 years. According to the British Acupuncture Council, when a person suffers from stress or anxiety, the flow of the body's natural healing energy, known as "qi," becomes blocked. Inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body frees up energy blockages and allows qi to flow freely, thus helping to heal the mind and body.
Types
There are a number of different types of acupuncture. Most acupuncturists insert very fine sterile needles; however, acupressure, needle-free acupuncture and moxibustion may also be used. During acupressure, the acupuncturist applies pressure with his hands to various acupuncture points located on the body. Moxibustion involves burning the herb, Artemisia vulgaris, either close to, or actually on acupuncture points on the body. Needle-free acupuncture, employs a hand-held device that delivers electric currents onto acupuncture points.
Efficacy
There is some evidence to show acupuncture can relieve stress and anxiety. A study published in 2010 in the journal "Neuroscience Letters" showed that acupuncture significantly reduced anxiety and stress scores in both young and elderly patients. Lead author Dr. T.S. Pavao notes that acupuncture also increased the production of white blood cells in elderly patients. Dr. Pavoa concludes that acupuncture can attenuate psychological distress.
Side Effects
According to U.K. health care provider Bupa, acupuncture may cause side effects, including drowsiness, pain when the needle is inserted, and bleeding and bruising around the needle point. Research published in the medical journal "Neurological Research," in 2010 found that needle-free acupuncture was associated with less patient anxiety, less discomfort and fewer adverse events than traditional acupuncture.
Considerations
Bupa notes that patients may experience short-term flare-up of symptoms after treatment. Potential complications associated with acupuncture include infection and damage to internal organs. Bupa states, however, that such complications are extremely rare. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should tell their acupuncturist, as special precautions may need to be taken..
References
- Helpguide: Understanding Stress
- British Acupuncture Council: Research Shows Acupuncture Helps Relieve Stress
- "Chinese Medicine"; Effects of Moxibustion for Constipation Treatment: a Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials; Myeong Soo Lee et al; August 2010
- Jesson Clinic: Modern Acupuncture - Dr. Voll's Needle-Free Electro-Acupuncture (N.F.E.A.)
- "Neuroscience Newsletter;" Acupuncture is Effective to Attenuate Stress and Stimulate Lymphocyte Proliferation in the Elderly; T.S. Pavoa et al; August 2010
