Acupuncture and Mood

The following text is from the Evidence-Based Acupuncture's 2019 Evidence Summary of acupuncture's effects on anxiety:

"A 2016 systematic review with over 400 randomized patients . . . concluded that 'the effects from acupuncture for treating anxiety have been shown to be significant as compared to conventional treatments.' The largest of these studies . . . found that acupuncture had a large effect on reducing anxiety and depression compared to conventional treatment involving pharmacological approaches and psychotherapy, with over twice the reduction in symptoms."

In less enlightened times, the effects of acupuncture were skeptically claimed to be “all in your head.” We now know this is not true: acupuncture has been demonstrated to be effective in any number of scientific studies the world over. However, in the case off mood disorders and emotional symptoms – such as anxiety, depression, stress, tension, irritability, and mood swings – it could plausibly be said that the mechanisms of acupuncture start in the brain.

Under conditions of stress, an area of the brain called the hypothalamus releases neurochemicals that send a cascade response through the body and nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for activating and deactivating the “fight or flight” response, which triggers tension, increased heart rate, and other symptoms of alarm – which can translate into emotional distress. Acupuncture has been shown to modulate these responses on a physical level.

Further, many modern researchers are coming to understand other aspects of the mind/body connection. There are many situations where, for all intents and purposes, the body acts as the unconscious for the mind. In other words, the body is the mind. Emotions don’t just happen in the brain. They reflect changes in the body’s chemistry and can result in physical sensations. Pain and disease can reflect mental traumas, and mental traumas can be treated with physical interventions, like acupuncture.

Acupuncture is an ancient medicine that that treats conditions in the mind and body simultaneously. At the time of its origins, it was also said to affect the spirit, making it a truly holistic intervention. The original metaphor was that it treats the body’s “qi” (or energy), which runs in specific pathways and points through the body.

There are many theories about how and why acupuncture works, but the most important thing to us at Very Well is that it does. In well over a decade in practice, we’ve helped hundreds of people feel better using acupuncture and supporting herbs, focusing a great deal of those efforts on mental health issues, stress, and other emotional symptoms.

Below are a few of the conditions and symptoms successfully treated at Very Well Acupuncture:

Anxiety • Depression • Stress • Panic Attacks • PTSD • Mood Swings • Addictions • Insomnia • Lack of Focus • Lack of Motivation • Creative Blocks • And More . . .

Anxiety • Depression • Stress • Panic Attacks • PTSD • Mood Swings • Addictions • Insomnia • Lack of Focus • Lack of Motivation • Creative Blocks • And More . . .

Back Pain • Sciatica • Neck Pain • Shoulder Pain • Elbow Pain • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Plantar Fasciitis • Knee Pain • Tendinitis • Sprained Ankle • Headaches • Migraines • Arthritis • Neuropathy • And More . . .

Back Pain • Sciatica • Neck Pain • Shoulder Pain • Elbow Pain • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Plantar Fasciitis • Knee Pain • Tendinitis • Sprained Ankle • Headaches • Migraines • Arthritis • Neuropathy • And More . . .

Allergies • Sinus Issues • Autoimmune Diseases • Infertility • Digestive Issues • Menstrual Issues • Menopausal Issues • Erectile Dysfunction • Overactive Bladder • Low Libido • Reaching Desired Weight • Low Energy • And More . . .

Allergies • Sinus Issues • Autoimmune Diseases • Infertility • Digestive Issues • Menstrual Issues • Menopausal Issues • Erectile Dysfunction • Overactive Bladder • Low Libido • Reaching Desired Weight • Low Energy • And More . . .

Selfie of trans woman smiling because of great Baltimore acupuncture results

“After my first appointment, there was such a marked improvement. The anxiety wasn’t gone, but had changed dramatically and was much more manageable.”

Contact us.

(410) 865-9935 (call 9a to 5p, weekdays)

Very Well
at The Village of Cross Keys
2 Hamill Rd.
The Quad, Suite 311
Baltimore, MD 21210

Visit us.

Very Well
at The Village of Cross Keys
2 Hamill Rd.
The Quad, Suite 311
Baltimore, MD 21210

Call
(410) 865-9935 (call between 9a and 5p, weekdays)

 
 

Wellness for Baltimore.

Baltimore is known for the high quality of its health care, and acupuncture at Very Well is a part of that tradition. In 2021, we were voted “Best Acupuncturist” in the Baltimore Sun Baltimore’s Best Readers’ Poll. Tucked in a quiet corner of the Village of Cross Keys, our office is easily accessible by car and public transportation from all of Baltimore City, Baltimore County (including nearby Towson), and the surrounding region. Abundant parking. Near to shops, dining, parks, hiking trails… you can make a day of it!.