Anxiety

TCM & Acupuncture for Anxiety

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety, with fewer side effects than medications.

Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches anxiety as a problem of an imbalanced emotional state and seeks to restore balance between organs and systems in the body.

Causes of Anxiety

One TCM theory on anxiety is that a person can have excessive energy, also referred to as heat or energy (Qi), in the head. Anxiety disorders are like other forms of mental illness. They don’t come from personal weakness, character flaws or problems with upbringing. But researchers don’t know exactly what causes anxiety disorders. They suspect a combination of factors plays a role:

Chemical imbalance:
Severe or long-lasting stress can change the chemical balance that controls your mood. Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period can lead to an anxiety disorder.
Environmental factors:
Experiencing a trauma might trigger an anxiety disorder, especially in someone who has inherited a higher risk to start.
Heredity:
Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. You may inherit them from one or both parents, like eye color.

How TCM Addresses Anxiety

Acupuncture can cause the nervous system to create painkilling chemicals, kick-start the body’s natural ability to heal itself, or stimulate the part of the brain that regulates emotions, including anxiety. It helps the nervous system attain balance, thereby alleviating tension and anxiety symptoms..

Acupuncture Results for Anxiety

It’s been reported that acupuncture can give individual rapid results, often working within only one to two sessions. However, like any treatment, results and the number of sessions will vary from person to person.

Common Anxiety Disorders We Treat

Common anxiety disorders include the following:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
OCD is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.
Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)
Social Phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation - such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others - or, in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.

TCM Anxiety Treatments

Acupuncture

Cupping

Moxibustion

Ionic Detox

Massage Therapy

Herbal Therapy

FAQ - TCM Treatment for Anxiety

What are the best Chinese herbs for anxiety?

Chinese herbal remedies for anxiety have been scientifically studied for decades. A well-known Chinese herb for anxiety is ginkgo biloba, one of the world’s oldest tree species. Many herbal remedies contain blends of specially-crafted ingredients that promote a soothing anti-anxiety effect on the mind.

A popular remedy is Banxia houpu decoction, which contains pinellia tuber, magnolia bark, hoelen, perilla herb, and ginger rhizome. Most traditional Chinese medicine practitioners recommend using herbs for severe anxiety or anxiety disorders while under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider.

How does Western medicine differ from Chinese medicine for treating anxiety?

The conventional Western medicine approach to alleviating anxiety and depression centers around two main treatments: prescription medications and psychotherapy. While these approaches do have scientific support, they can cause uncomfortable side effects, are often prohibitively expensive, or (in the case of medications) tend to focus only on treating symptoms.

Unlike their Western peers, traditional Eastern practitioners focus on healing the individual rather than simply treating or masking symptoms of a disease. With the support of their practitioners, individuals utilizing Chinese medicine and herbs for anxiety and depression embark on a journey of restoration in body, mind, and spirit. In the Chinese medicine tradition, treating depression naturally begins by identifying and supporting the individual’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and energetic needs.

Why should I get TCM and acupuncture to treat my anxiety?

Studies show that acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety, with fewer side effects than medications.

Why should I get treated at the Best of Chinese Medicine clinics?

With qualified and caring staff, your comfort is our top priority. Whether it is your first time using TCM or acupuncture, we strive to make it an enjoyable experience and cater to your specific needs.

Where are Best of Chinese Medicine Clinics?

Find us in one of our two convenient locations :

Alleviate anxiety with the help of TCM. Call us today in Toronto or Mississauga.

We develop individual treatments to address each patient’s unique needs. We take the time to get to know you with a thorough consultation.

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