Anxiety and depression are serious mental health issues that can be devastating on both the personal and public health levels. Joseph Downer, LAc, of Stratford Acupuncture & Nutritional Wellness Center in Stratford, Connecticut, offers a holistic approach to treating these conditions.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, as many as one out of every five Americans will experience some form of mental illness each year. For some, serious mental health problems will alter the course of their lives. Others will struggle with episodic or short-term bouts of anxiety and/or depression.

If you’re curious about how traditional Chinese medicine can help improve anxiety, depression, and a range of other mental health concerns, book an appointment with Stratford Acupuncture & Nutritional Wellness Center.

What causes anxiety and depression?

A number of factors can cause mental illness. Some issues have a genetic component, while others are caused by physiological conditions within the brain itself. In many cases, nutritional deficiencies, poor health habits, lack of adequate sleep, and other environmental factors play a role in mental illness.

How can acupuncture help with mental health issues?

Acupuncture is a form of ancient traditional Chinese medicine. The practice is based on the idea that all humans have an essential flow of energy – qi – that runs throughout their bodies along channels called meridians. When that flow becomes blocked, your body can no longer function properly.

Chinese healing wisdom recognizes the link between body and mind. Because the mind and body interact as one entity, imbalances in one can directly influence the function of the other.

Acupuncture works by using a set of extremely thin, sterile needles to stimulate targeted points along your meridians. That releases qi that might have become backed up or blocked, restoring proper energy flow throughout your body.

What mental health issues can acupuncture help with?

Many mental health issues can be improved or corrected through acupuncture, including:

● Anxiety.

● Depression.

● Stress.

● ADHD/ADD.

● Post-traumatic stress disorder.

If you’re living with these conditions or are looking for effective treatment for a loved one, acupuncture is certainly something to consider.

More traditional Chinese medicine to treat mental health issues

Traditional Chinese medicine offers several treatments for mental health issues. All focus on restoring a proper balance of energy by correcting clogged or blocked energy pathways.

A few examples include:

● Jiu-Jitsu.

● Karate.

● Kampo.

● Qigong.

● Sotai

These practices use carefully controlled body movements to improve health and wellness. They train you to focus on the mechanics of your body, teach you to calm your mind, and focus on intentional movement. Each of these treatments can help you grow physically stronger, more flexible, and better able to adapt to your environment.