Treating Anxiety with Acupuncture and All Natural Treatment Options

Approximately 40 million Americans suffer from chronic anxiety or depression, and 10–15% of women experience postpartum depression.

Oftentimes, many people don’t seek help for fear of shame or judgment and are left untreated. Of those seeking help—approximately one out of eight adults—many are currently taking antidepressant medications. While these medications offer support, there are also many who do not respond well to medications.

This can be due to a number of factors, including:

• Numerous side effects that outweigh the benefits of the medication

• A developed tolerance to the medication that reduces the benefits

• Increased sensitivity to the concentration of the medications

• Beliefs that depression is not due to a biochemical imbalance

Based on our experience working with numerous anxiety-ridden patients, we firmly believe that a combination of Chinese medicine, nutrition, high-quality supplements and probiotics, meditation, and yoga can offer incredible support in addressing the root causes of this epidemic. This is an all-natural approach that is more comprehensive, less invasive to the brain than medications, and addresses the underlying causes of depression. This approach accounts for biochemical, energetic, and nutritional factors.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. The purpose of acupuncture is to treat the energetic level of the human body and mind. Most people are pleasantly surprised to find that acupuncture is a profoundly relaxing experience that creates restorative balance in the central nervous system. Most people feel relaxed, sleepy, lighter, and sometimes invigorated after a treatment. These effects continue for a few hours afterward and become longer-lasting with repetitive treatments.

How does acupuncture work?
Anxiety is most often a byproduct of weak Qi in the heart and/or kidneys. Other symptoms may accompany anxiety, such as low back pain, insomnia, irritability, and heart palpitations.

Chinese Herbs

There are a number of Chinese herbal formulas that can be very effective for anxiety disorders. We commonly use six different formulas for six different patterns in our practice. In addition to Chinese herbs, some Western herbs can also be helpful.

Here is a brief list of herbs available at local health food stores:

• Valerian

• Chamomile

• Lemon balm

• Kava

• Passion flower

Nutrition

One of the most important factors in treating anxiety through whole foods nutrition is maintaining stable blood sugar throughout the day. Many anxiety patients suffer from hypoglycemia, often without realizing it. Typically, patients may start their day with refined carbohydrates, sugar, or coffee, only to experience a “crash” around 2–4 PM.

To maintain stable blood sugar:

• Start the day with a high-protein meal such as eggs, turkey bacon, or a smoothie with hemp or other protein powder and a healthy fat like almond butter or avocado.

• Eat a low-glycemic snack every 2–3 hours, such as apples with almond butter or hard-boiled eggs.

• Eliminate coffee and other forms of caffeine.

• Consider an elimination diet to identify food allergies that may exacerbate intestinal issues, systemic inflammation, or anxiety symptoms. Common allergens to test for include wheat, gluten, dairy, and refined sugars.

Helpful nutritional supplements for anxiety:

• 5-HTP

• B vitamin complex

• Fish oil

• GABA

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation have been instrumental for many of our patients, serving as powerful tools for coping with depression. With regular practice, people often feel a greater sense of control over depression and anxiety, preventing it from dominating their lives. These practices help reset and restore the nervous system.

There is always a reason why anxiety symptoms arise, and from a holistic perspective, they are never random. It is helpful to disengage from personal judgment and look at the bigger picture: What is the anxiety telling us about our current life situation? What do we need to acknowledge or change? Whatever the answer may be, the practices mentioned here provide profound support in addressing the root cause and starting a gentle path toward calmness and insight.