As you probably know, in acupuncture therapy thin needles are strategically placed under the skin. These target pressure points, which release helpful body chemicals that sustain the person’s psychological, emotional, and physical health.
So How Does Acupuncture Work Exactly?
Think of acupuncture as a system that stimulates the central nervous system via acupuncture points. This is thought to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain, causing biochemical changes that promote physical and emotional health.
Some studies also found that Acupuncture can increase the body’s serotonin production, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy and relaxed.
Because Acupuncture stimulates the production of these chemicals in your body, it is an effective treatment for any mood disorders you can think of such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It’s also an effective treatment for many pain, migraines, and mental health issues.
After hundreds of acupuncture therapies here at South Tampa, we’ve noticed that individuals diagnosed with mood disorders may experience a vast improvement in their symptoms after this treatment.
With that said, let me show you exactly how acupuncture can help.
Alleviates Depression
Chronic depression can be a debilitating condition. It prevents individuals from leading a productive and fulfilling life. People with this condition usually report feelings like agitation, hopelessness, and numbness. Although you can fight depression through medication and exercise, it is not enough for some people. For such individuals, acupuncture shows promising results. During the treatment, the therapist inserts needles at specific meridians to help release serotonin in the brain. This is an important hormone for stablizing moods.
Lessens Anxiety
Anxiety is the leading emotional disorder on the planet. It is the result of modern life and sometimes it feels like we can’t escape from it. The stress to earn and live a good life has left many with racing minds. This often leaves the person feeling ill and uneasy in many situations, prompting them to ruminate excessively.
Similar to depression, this disorder is helped somewhat by medication and exercise, but acupuncture seems to be a very effective way to manage and ease anxiety. Once the needles are placed at an appropriate position, it stimulates the release of serotonin in the brain, which helps you slow down your thinking and enable you to concentrate.
Improves Concentration
Do you struggle with focusing at school or work? Perhaps you’re distracted by repeated thoughts? If so, acupuncture can help you. During therapy, needles will be placed at appropriate pressure points. This encourages your body to release certain brain chemicals that help stable mood and increase concentration.
Relieves Insomnia
Quality sleep is linked to everything – from better academic performance, to weight gain, and even illnesses. If you have difficulty falling asleep or have chronic insomnia, you’re likely feeling the negative effects of this problem on your health. Although insomnia can be relieved through changes in diet and activity levels, acupuncture is also effective.
By placing the needles at specific points on the body, melatonin and serotonin flow is encouraged. Body chemicals are vital for a good night’s sleep.