Acupuncture and Mental Health, by Dr. Alexander Achenza, DACM, L.Ac.

Lets face it, over the last year or so, we have all been made to live with a higher level of stress than we are used to. Everyone has had to deal with some degree of change. There are many different things to turn to when looking to treat this stress or cope with the intense changes life and indeed, humanity, has been going through. For thousands of years, people have looked to acupuncture as an incredible resource and modality to treat stress and for the effects it can have on mental health. As an ancient form of holistic medicine, acupuncture exists as a powerful method of healing to promote the body's own innate system of vitality.  The philosophical concepts that act as a foundation of acupuncture explore a universal notion of balance in all things. Everything from the macrocosmic to the microcosmic. From the structure of a galaxy to a human cell, the relationship between night and day, or an ecosystem in nature. All things that exist in this reality have a harmony and equilibrium to them. When integrating these metaphor based, esoteric concepts of Chinese medicine with modern science we can come to see how there are countless overlaps.  

The balance of "Qi" or ones vitality, can be paralleled to homeostasis just as using different acupuncture points to "calm the mind" can be illustrated to effect the nervous system in a way to activate the parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system. There is a myriad of scientific literature that supports acupuncture's efficacy for therapeutic stress reduction and in turn, supportive modality for mental health.  Acupuncture and its relationship with mental health can be understood in a scientific context by observing the changes in neurotransmitters and endorphin release, such as serotonin and beta-endorphin ("feel good chemicals"). Similarly, one could look to the rich history of literally thousands of years of empirical and anecdotal acupuncture evidence that makes up the backbone of Chinese medicine. Some of us are more comfortable thinking of the science and some folks are happy to look at the philosophy. It is equally valid, important, and profound as a form of medicine either way. However we choose to view and understand the mechanisms, in times like these we could certainly all benefit from some self care. 

 So how does this relate to everything happening in the world now, and your level of stress?  Well, acupuncture can help to maintain your individual level of internal harmony and balance in both your physical and mental well-being. It is a wonderful method of healing and can help to relieve both conscious and even unconscious levels of stress and tension. Everyone's personal level of stress relates directly to their unique state of mental health. No two individuals are exactly alike, just as are our states of mental health and emotional well-being. Acupuncture fits perfectly to treat these issues, because treatments themselves are individualized and specific to the unique needs and patterns of each and every person.  Acupuncture is also helpful in that the practitioner truly takes the time to figure out how to help you in the best way they can. It's not just about listing symptoms and throwing pharmaceuticals at them. It is a whole and comprehensive approach to treating the root causes of the problem at hand. Please let us know if you have any questions about how acupuncture can help you. We are happy to help in any way we can and confident that can make a significant impact on the quality of your life. ​