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Acupuncture for Anxiety at Monmouth
County NJ Rehabilitation Facility
Anxiety can be defined as, “…a future-oriented mood state in which one is ready or prepared to attempt to cope with upcoming negative events.”* Anxiety is not always a negative feeling; this emotion prepares the body for a number of psychological and physiological processes that can be helpful in the face of upcoming danger or stress. Anxiety becomes a problem, however, when no actual danger or stress exists. Symptoms of anxiety can be debilitating and can make routine tasks, such as going to work or school, seem difficult or even impossible. The ability to enjoy life to the fullest is impaired when every activity is clouded with anxiety or the anticipation of anxiety. Anxiety is a very real physical experience. Physical symptoms include (but are not limited to): •
Racing heart Anxiety also produces negative emotional effects, including depression. Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand, where each problem exacerbates the other in a vicious cycle of escalating anxiety and depression. Other mental health issues connected with anxiety include eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and substance abuse. Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, and Anxiety In Chinese medicine, energy (Qi) flows through the body on channels known as meridians. Intense emotions such as anxiety block the free flow of energy, causing tension and leading to the many physical symptoms of the disorder. These energy blockages can be addressed through acupuncture. Acupuncture points serve as openings to the body’s meridians; when these are liberated from unhealthy blockages, energy can begin to flow smoothly once again. This can help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety as well as relieve the anxiety disorder itself. Viewed from a Western perspective, acupuncture releases endorphins, natural painkilling chemicals, into the brain. Additionally, the ancient practice improves circulation of the blood throughout the body, oxygenating tissues and cycling out cortisol and other waste chemicals. Because the experience of acupuncture is often very calming, this can decrease heart rate, relax muscles, and lower blood pressure. Anxiety Solution at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation, we’ve found that many of our patients treated for anxiety are able to resolve other physical and emotional issues. For example, some women who experience anxiety may have difficulty conceiving; treating these negative emotions can make the process easier. The New Jersey Certified Acupuncturists at our facility have years of experience in treating the debilitating symptoms of anxiety. Please contact our office to learn more about how we can help. * Barlow, David H. (November 2002). "Unraveling the mysteries of anxiety and its disorders from the perspective of emotion theory". American Psychologist: 1247–63. http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/amp/55/11/1247.pdf. |
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