Acupuncture is something that most of us have at least somewhat of an idea of, yet so few actively take advantage of it. If you’ve heard of acupuncture before but don’t know much about it, you probably think that it’s only used to treat muscle pain, yet its benefits spread far beyond simple pain management. With millions of adults across the globe suffering from anxiety, it’s only reasonable that some have turned to acupuncture for anxiety relief.
While studies are still being done on the specific effects acupuncture has on anxiety, a few benefits have already surfaced. These alone should be reason enough to consider it as an alternative to the medications so many of us are prescribed. Here are our top four benefits of acupuncture for anxiety:
Acupuncture is Relaxing
For starters, the simple act of laying down in a quiet space can help the edge off the anxiety that haunts you, at least temporarily. Moving on to the acupuncture itself, needles are inserted into specific points on your body rather than randomly. This stimulates the nerve-rich areas to activate your body’s natural healing processes. In turn, your muscles relax and release the stress and anxiety stored within them, relaxing you both physically and mentally.
Acupuncture Releases Endorphins
Endorphins are the reason behind that amazing feeling you get after a great workout or a good meal. Biologically, endorphins are naturally occurring hormones that both make you feel good and act as a natural pain killer. When needles are inserted during acupuncture therapy, the body reacts with an immune response, part of which involves the release of endorphins. In fact, it’s quite normal for patients to experience “acupuncture high,” similar to a “runner’s high,” after an acupuncture session.
Acupuncture Improves Your Sleep
One of the main benefits of acupuncture is that it relieves both mental and physical stress. So much so, that some patients even doze off during their sessions, and most report better sleep after an acupuncture session. Even if your anxiety isn’t keeping you awake at night, you might be surprised to find out that your sleep will likely improve after your first acupuncture session. Most patients report deeper sleep and waking up feeling more rested. Many regular patients even go as far as saying that the night of their acupuncture treatment was the best night’s sleep they’ve had in a long time!
Acupuncture Gives You More Energy
In addition to relaxing you and helping you sleep better, getting hundreds of tiny needles stuck into your skin can actually improve energy levels. Who would have thought? The reason behind this is that acupuncture isn’t just a way to relieve pain or anxiety, it improves your body’s overall function — and that includes energy levels. Acupuncture can help you feel more awake and alert and you may even begin to notice a little extra spring in your step after as little as just one session.
Acupuncture for Anxiety Relief in Calgary
It’s worth keeping in mind that acupuncture has different effects on different people, and what works for some may not work for you. Nevertheless, acupuncture is known to reduce anxiety symptoms in most patients and is definitely worth trying if you’re looking for a more natural way to relieve anxiety. If you want to find out more about acupuncture and whether it can work for you, get in touch with Calgary Integrative Medicine for more information and book your consultation today.
