Acupuncture for Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are mood disorders which affect a large proportion of the population at varying times in their lives. Many are prescribed anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medications, which can alleviate symptoms, but for some people they either don’t work well enough, or the side effects are intolerable.

How does TCM understand anxiety and depression?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which can consist of all or any of acupuncture, herbal therapy, diet and lifestyle advice can assist people with anxiety or depression either as an adjunct to their anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication, or as a sole treatment for their condition(s).

TCM understands that our emotions are inextricably linked with our physical health, and vice versa. Indeed each organ system is affected by and affects a different emotion. For example, fear affects and is affected by the kidney system, sadness & grief affects and is affected by the lung system, while worry affects and is affected by the spleen system. The other organs (heart & liver) affect and are affected by the emotions of joy and anger/irritability, respectively.

So acupuncture and/or herbs can address the underlying physical imbalance(s) within the different organ systems, which can then rebalance the emotions. It also has a calming effect on the whole mind/body/spirit.

Many people who have acupuncture for another condition, report a marked improvement in their mood and sense of wellbeing.

How long will it take before my condition improves?

Depending on the nature and severity of the condition, some people may start to feel improvement after just one session, while for others it may be a few weeks, or (rarely) months. Herbal therapy can be particularly useful in chronic cases, and can be used alongside anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication.

How can I find out more about how acupuncture can help with Anxiety or Depression?

To find out more about how acupuncture can help with Anxiety or Depression call or text Katie on 07854 987806 or email acupuncturehassocks@gmail.com.

All treatments are carried out at Acupuncture Hassocks Clinic based in Hassocks, West Sussex. The clinic is near to Hassocks train station, so is easily reachable from Brighton, Burgess Hill or Haywards Heath. If you are travelling by car from Hurstpierpoint, Ditchling or surrounding areas, there is free on road parking.