The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) says “evidence for the acupuncture to treat anxiety disorders is becoming stronger.”
The Research
Recently the University of York came across promising results for acupuncture.
Firstly, the study in question recruited 755 people with moderate to severe depression.
Seventy percent of the patients had been on anti-depressants and continued on them throughout the study.
Secondly, the study concluded that acupuncture had a positive effect on depression.
They saw that it lowered the depression scale from an average of 16 out of 27 at the start, to 9 for acupuncture at its conclusion.
Finally, the benefits lasted on average 3 months after acupuncture treatment had concluded.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Research has shown that acupuncture releases endorphins, and activates natural pain killers.
It has now been confirmed that it affects other biological functions too.
A 2013 article in the Journal of Endocrinology presented the results of a number of animal studies done at Georgetown University Medical Centre.
The results showed rats who were put under stressful conditions and received acupuncture had lowered blood hormone levels secreted by the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis.
This controls reactions to stress and regulates processes like:
- The immune system
- Digestion
- Emotions and moods
- and sexuality
Secondly, they measured the levels of NPY, a peptide secreted during a “fight or flight” response.
They said, “We found that electronic acupuncture blocks the chronic, stress-induced elevations of the HPA axis hormones and the sympathetic NPY pathway.
Finally, “our growing body of evidence points to acupuncture’s protective effect against the stress response.”
In the clinic, anxiety is one of the most common problems I see.
I have found acupuncture to provide great benefit to patients.
If you’re looking for an appointment to discuss your options, apply here
David L. Edwards is an author, Chinese medicine physician and acupuncturist. He is the author of The Body Fat Formula and The Pocketbook guide to Chinese medicine. David is the director of Barefoot Health and Wellness treatment programs.
Apply for an appointment with David here
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