What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a common emotional experience that many of us encounter from time to time. It's a feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can range from mild to intense. Picture it as the body's natural alarm system kicking in, alerting us to potential threats or challenges. While a little anxiety is normal and can even be motivating, excessive or persistent anxiety can impact quality of daily life.

What are the risk factors for Anxiety?

The exact reasons behind anxiety disorders remain unclear. Life events, particularly traumatic experiences, or inherited traits may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders in individuals predisposed to anxiety [1].

• Genetic factors: If anxiety disorders run in the family, there might be a higher likelihood of experiencing anxiety.
• Life Events: Trauma, stress, or major life changes can trigger anxiety.
• Personality Traits: Certain personality traits can also play a role in the susceptibility to anxiety.

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What are the symptoms of Anxiety?

• Feeling restless, irritable, or tense
• Racing heart
• Rapid or shallow breathing
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling fatigued
• Trouble sleeping
• Digestive problems

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How Acupuncture can help manage Anxiety?

• Calming the Nervous System: Acupuncture has been found to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for relaxation and calming responses. This can counteract the overactive sympathetic nervous system associated with anxiety [2].
• Regulating Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture may influence the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and endorphins, and regulate stress hormones such as cortisol [2]. By contributing to release of “happy” hormones and regulating stress hormones, Acupuncture can play a crucial role in mood regulation.

Evidence-Based Medicine for Anxiety

Numerous clinical trials have consistently demonstrated the positive impact of acupuncture on managing anxiety. In a particular study, researchers assessed the effectiveness of acupuncture and electroacupuncture in treating anxiety. The evaluation utilized BAI (Beck Anxiety Inventory), GAD-7(Generalized Anxiety Disorder), and OASIS (Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale) tests. Significantly, both acupuncture and electroacupuncture led to a substantial improvement in anxiety levels, as measured by BAI, GAD-7,and OASIS, after the 5th and 10th treatment sessions [3]. Importantly, these positive outcomes were observed independently of conventional anxiety-relief medications [3].

These findings suggest that acupuncture could be an effective complementary or alternative therapy to improve mental health and overall quality of life.

References:

[1] Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2018, May 4).Anxiety disorders. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961

[2] Li, Q. Q., Shi, G. X., Xu, Q., Wang, J., Liu, C. Z., & Wang, L.P. (2013). Acupuncture effect and central autonomic regulation. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 267959. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/267959

[3] Amorim, D., Brito, I., Caseiro, A., Figueiredo, J. P., Pinto, A., Macedo, I., & Machado, J. (2022). Electroacupuncture and acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety - A double blinded randomized parallel clinical trial. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 46, 101541.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101541

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Disclaimer:

This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Whenever possible, it is advised to seek professional care from a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical treatment.