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At some point in life, everyone deals with major upheavals or emotional distress. These events can trigger a host of unexpected feelings and behaviors, from depression and panic attacks to major disruptions in sleep and eating. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can alleviate symptoms associated with mental health issues in treating the root cause of the problem by helping to rebalance the body's internal environment.
Mental health disorders are medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning, which result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life. The good news about mental disorders is that recovery is often possible.
Affecting persons of any age, race, religion or income, mental health disorders have been found to be common, and experts estimate almost a third of the population report sufficient qualifying criteria at some point in their life. Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder.
From an Oriental medicine perspective, mental health disorders can cause a disruption in the flow of vital energy, or qi, through the body. These energetic imbalances can throw off the immune system or cause symptoms of pain, sleep disturbances, abnormal digestion, headaches and menstrual irregularities, and over time, even more serious illnesses can develop. Acupuncture treatments can correct these imbalances and directly affect the way your body manages your mental health.
Diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
Oriental medicine does not recognize any mental disorder as one particular syndrome. Instead, it aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual, using a variety of techniques, including acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and exercises to restore imbalances found in the body. Therefore, if 100 patients are treated with acupuncture and Oriental medicine for anxiety, each of these 100 people will receive a unique, customized treatment, with different acupuncture points and different lifestyle and diet recommendations.
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine have the ability to detect energetic changes that occur in the body and relieve symptoms by restoring equilibrium. The physical and emotional symptoms that you are experiencing will help create a clear picture on which a treatment plan can be created specifically for you. Here are just a few ailments acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help with:
Depressive Disorders: Common symptoms of depressive disorders include a decreased interest in most activities, insomnia, fatigue and feeling empty and worthless. Even when depression is sub-clinical, the body's immune system is compromised and the symptoms reduce functioning and impair work performance and social relationships. Acupuncture treatments can correct these imbalances, support the immune system and directly affect the way your body manages stress and your mental health.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD): A condition of the brain that makes it difficult to concentrate or control impulsive behavior, ADD/ADHD does not just occur during childhood. Acupuncture can help enhance concentration, reduce fidgeting, augment mood management techniques, reduce hyperactivity and enhance concentration.
Anxiety and Stress Disorders: Anxiety comes in a wide range of manifestations, from mild worrying to more physical responses such as nausea, insomnia, shortness of breath and panic attacks. Some anxiety is a healthy response to the stress of daily life and new situations; however, anxiety that occurs randomly or excessively is a sign to take notice. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help balance both the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety and help to create harmony and spaciousness.
Mental health issues are best managed when health professionals work together to meet the unique needs of each individual. Acupuncture is an excellent addition to any treatment plan as it is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of the disorder, while also diminishing symptoms.
If you or someone you know struggles with a mental health disorder or if you would like to know how to optimize your mental health, please call to find out more about how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can be integrated into your mental and emotional wellness plan today!
Acupuncture for irritability and moodiness
Everyone suffers from irritability and moodiness from time to time, but if you find that a short temper and frustration are becoming a constant issue for you, then acupuncture may be able to help.
Often, irritability and moodiness are the consequence of chronic stress in your life. Over time, these emotions can progress into more serious emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as other health conditions such as digestive problems, trouble sleeping and the tendency to get sick more frequently.
October special offer
Learn how to stay healthy through the upcoming cold and flu season: Call for your free 30-minute consultation. When your qi (life force) functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health, move your qi.
Location: 2427 University Blvd. W., Jacksonville. Contact Mariellen Kristol, A.P. to set up a personal appointment at 904-739-5808.
