Anxiety

We have seen a significant increase in the number of people coming to acupuncture for the treatment of anxiety. Frequently patients respond very well to a course of acupuncture treatment.

It is common for people to feel significantly calmer after just one treatment. Lasting results require a course of treatment though. Please read on..

To talk to Richard about how acupuncture might help you personally and to see his clinic locations, click here for contact and location details

Important to know & remember:

Unlike Western drug therapies which usually take several weeks before real change occurs, acupuncture for anxiety often brings some rapid relief even after the 1st or 2nd treatment but involves some peaks and troughs in progress – especially early on. 

There can be a critical window where patients feel initial relief, followed by a dip as the effects wear off quite quickly.  This must be remembered and it occurs because the body needs several consistent weekly treatment to establish lasting changes.

This pattern is also seen with other conditions we treat.

How Acupuncture Helps:

Research shows that acupuncture:

• Stimulates endorphins and regulates neurotransmitters, reducing stress and mood swings.
• Lowers cortisol (the stress hormone).
• A meta-analysis of 20 randomized trials found acupuncture significantly reduces anxiety symptoms in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), with high safety and tolerance.

What to Expect During Treatment

Needles are typically placed on the arms and legs (though other areas may be used).

They are incredibly fine—most patients find the treatment comfortable and relaxing.

The sensation is similar to plucking a hair from your arm (try it!).

How many Acupuncture treatments?

This depends on:

• Severity of symptoms at the start.
• Lifestyle factors (advice may be given to support progress).
  Most patients need 6 weekly sessions, then spreading out the frequency of treatments over a few weeks to arrive at monthly maintenance to prevent relapse.

Why choose Acupuncture?

• Very low risk: Safe when performed by a trained professional.
• Naturally calming: Many patients fall asleep during treatment.
• Drug-free: No medication or potentially worrying side effects.
• Minimal discomfort: Hair-thin needles, rarely painful.
• Mild side effects: Slight redness or bruising (rare).
• If you’d like to talk to Richard about how acupuncture might help you personally, click here to contact him