How Does Acupuncture Help with Mental Health Wellness

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. It promotes advocacy for mental health and diminishes the stigma linked to mental health issues. This observance, initiated by Mental Health America in 1949, has taken place in the United States each May since. The designated color for mental health awareness is green, and “Wear it Green” day is dedicated to fostering positive mental health awareness.

Anxiety and MDD (Major Depressive Disorder)

The most prevalent type of mental health disorders in America is anxiety disorders, and these disorders affect about 40 million adults aged 18 and over. Anxiety disorders lead individuals to endure distressing and frequent feelings of fear and apprehension.

Major Depressive Disorders (MDD) rank as the second most common mental health condition. Most people with depression lack the mental clarity and willpower to function in their day-to-day life. They have low energy, a lack of ability to make favorable judgments, and function well; they tend to withdraw or isolate themselves from social events and activities that once interested them, have low life force, and are not driven to get inspired and motivated.

These mental challenges are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest tightness, difficulty or heavy breathing, heavy head, foggy mind, muscle tension/tightness, digestive tract discomfort, such as bloated stomach, feeling nauseated, and many are experiencing alternating constipation and diarrhea symptoms. In females, women with MDD often experience a more intense premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Both physical and mental challenges can be wearying. These symptoms make the patients feel uneasy and make it hard to break the vicious cycle.

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine as Holistic Care

As acupuncture becomes more integrated into mainstream medicine, psychiatrists and psychologists are increasingly referring their patients to acupuncture clinics to provide holistic support for mental health care. The primary reason is that medications often come with side effects that make it difficult for patients to live optimally in their daily lives. Common side effects include fatigue, drowsiness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, tremors, apathy, and even discontinuation or withdrawal syndrome (1). These side effects can add to the challenges patients are already facing.

For over 3,000 years, acupuncture and herbal medicine have been utilized to help individuals with various health issues, including mental health challenges. Acupuncture treatment aids in releasing endorphine naturally, regulating and promoting energy flow and blood circulation around the chest and brain, helping patients feel more open, breathe easier, and gain better inspiration and motivation to fight on without medication. When the circulation around the chest and brain improves, the patients can think more clearly. Their mood is elevated, enabling them to go about their day and function optimally, with fewer struggles. Additionally, acupuncture can also help reduce their physical distress, such as digestive tract symptoms, muscle tension/pain, fibromyalgia, and/or PMS.

Herbal medicine is typically used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment to regulate patients' moods without side effects. Acupuncture and herbal medicine together provide an excellent way for patients to improve their physical and emotional well-being holistically. At the same time, the patient should receive counseling support from mental health professionals to navigate their challenging life situations and foster a positive mindset.

I often suggest that my patients schedule a mental health counseling session right after their acupuncture treatments. At this time, their capacity to think clearly and make sound judgments is enhanced.

Counseling can provide them with fresh perspectives and assist them in managing their complex life issues. With clearer minds, they can maximize the benefits of the session. A clear and positive mind enables patients to better absorb and implement the counselor's guidance, aiding them in planning for the future or overcoming present challenges.

For the best results, we recommend that our patients come for a regular visit during their initial phases at least once a week and taper to once a month to continue regulating their mood, physical, mental, and emotional state. 

At our clinic, we encourage the 5 C's of mental health: Connection, Compassion, Coping, Community, and Care. We are part of a supportive framework for fostering mental well-being. By nurturing these elements as part of our clinical practice, we can help our patients foster resilience, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life.

REFERENCES

1. Kelly, K., Posternak, M., & Jonathan, E. A. (2008). Toward achieving optimal response: Understanding and managing antidepressant side effects. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 10(4), 409. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.4/kkelly