We find ourselves in unprecedented times. I fully realize that this is a VERY tired phrase, and more than likely you’re sick of hearing it just as much as I am saying it. Let’s not kid ourselves, though – we are traversing uncharted territory here. The level of uncertainty we are collectively feeling is palpable, and has people searching for outlets for their pent-up rage, frustration, fear, and all-around crummy mood. Just as companies are finding creative ways to navigate this new frontier, people are looking for new
tools to add to their self-care toolbox. One powerful tool that folks are turning to is Acupuncture. More and more research is showing that Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a strong edition to a person’s mental and physical healthcare regimen.
One of the major advantages of adding acupuncture to your health care toolbox is its unique view of the body, and very person-centric approach to diagnosis and treatment. An Acupuncturist doesn’t just look at the symptoms you have, but also takes into account your whole body, or constitution, when considering both the root cause and how to address it. Acupuncturists also have different types of diagnoses for one western diagnosis. This means that if 10 patients come in with a diagnosis of depression it is likely that each patient will have their own unique Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis. While there will be some cross over between patients – primarily with the more overt symptoms – the specific diagnosis will guide the Acupuncturist to a treatment plan geared to addressing the “Branches and Root” of an issue (the symptoms and the root cause). While making it difficult to conduct more traditional clinical trials, this approach leads to strong anecdotal proof (reports directly
from patient experience).
Inconsistency in treatment, diagnosis, and approach can translate to troubles with research, but doesn’t translate to a lack of results. A UK Researcher and Physiotherapist, Nick Errington-Evans, looked at 32 different studies focusing on Acupuncture’s effect on anxiety. Errington-Evans found that each study had issues with methodology, reporting, and treatment selection, which is problematic for people “searching for a gold standard treatment” for anxiety. However, overwhelmingly the results from each study show marked improvement in the participants symptoms. Errington-Evans states:
Each paper showing statistically significant effects directly attributable to an acupuncture treatment lends weight to the use of acupuncture to significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorders, using both human and animal subjects. To someextent, despite the methodological criticisms, it is this central point that must be focused upon. There is evidence that acupuncture is comparable with CBT, which is a common intervention in the treatment of this condition
At In Touch, we understand the pressure the people are feeling. The uncertainty of life in this unique
time, the stress of remote learning for our kids, the tumultuous job market that we are all trying to
weather…of course we are all stressed! Our team is hear, to provide you with a holistic approach to
developing and strengthening the tools you need to be your best in such uncertain times.
Source:
Errington-Evans N. Acupuncture for anxiety. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2012;18(4):277-284.
doi:10.1111/j.1755-5949.2011.00254.x
