Stress, anxiety and depression are major issues in today’s modern society. Research suggests that up to 30% of the global population suffers from some form of anxiety. The Acupuncture Evidence Project recommends acupuncture for anxiety and the World Health Organisation recommends acupuncture for depression
Acupuncture is understood to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The subsequent biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms which promotes physical and emotional well-being.
Studies indicate acupuncture can have a positive effect on depression & anxiety by altering the brains mood chemistry, increasing production of serotonin and endorphins aswell as acting through other neurochemical pathways (Lee 2009). Research has shown acupuncture to be calming and it can have a regulating effect on physical and emotional stress in particular to pain, heart rate, blood pressure and digestive function.
Acupuncture can be combined with conventional medical treatments such as anti-depressants or cognitive therapy with research showing it can enhance their beneficial effects (Courbasson 2007) and reduce unwanted side-effects (Yuan 2007)