By Sarah Webb – Chinese Medical Acupuncturist @ Seed Wellness
With Mental Health Awareness Week this week, we wanted to shine a light on how acupuncture can help improve mental / emotional wellbeing.
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which views health as a balance between the body’s opposing forces, yin and yang. TCM focuses on keeping the free flow of Qi along meridians in the body, protecting against imbalances that can lead to physical, mental, and emotional problems. Acupuncture aims to restore this balance by stimulating the body’s natural healing response.
Five Element acupuncture could be seen as the world’s oldest personality profiling system and works well when integrated with TCM. People can be ‘classified’ according to the five-element theory. Their body structure, temperaments, emotions, moods and illnesses can all be looked at in relation to the five elements, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. What makes us different from one another is, amongst other things, when one of the elements within us is imbalanced in comparison to the others. Using a five element approach enables the practitioner to tailor treatment to each person’s unique needs.
While acupuncture is not a standalone treatment for mental health disorders, growing evidence suggests its potential as a complementary therapy. Studies have shown that acupuncture may alleviate symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia.
Stress Reduction: Acupuncture helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the body’s stress response. By releasing tension held within the body, acupuncture can alleviate physical manifestations of stress and contribute to a sense of calm and well-being.
Regulating Neurotransmitters: Research suggests that acupuncture may influence the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which play key roles in mood regulation. By modulating these neurotransmitters, acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
Balancing Hormones: Acupuncture can help regulate hormonal imbalances that contribute to mood swings, irritability, and emotional instability. By targeting specific acupuncture points, this ancient practice can support the endocrine system, promoting hormonal equilibrium and emotional stability.
Improving Sleep Quality: Insomnia and sleep disturbances are common symptoms of many mental health conditions. Acupuncture has been shown to promote relaxation and regulate circadian rhythms, helping improve sleep quality and duration. By addressing underlying factors contributing to sleep disturbances, acupuncture can enhance overall mental well-being.
Enhancing Emotional Resilience: Acupuncture fosters a sense of groundedness and resilience by promoting the free flow of Qi throughout the body. By addressing imbalances and blockages, acupuncture can help individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and adaptability.
Supporting Mind-Body Connection: At the core of acupuncture is the concept of the mind-body connection, which aligns with contemporary understandings of mental health. By addressing both physical and emotional aspects of well-being, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to healing that acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
For more information or to book a session with Sarah Webb at her clinics in either Marlow or Farnham Common, Traditional Chinese Medicine, visit www.seedwellness.co.uk/sarahwebb
For more information or to book a session with Ruzeen Hettiarachchi, Western Medical Acupuncturist in Beaconsfield, visit www.seedwellness.co.uk/ruzeenhettiarachchi
