With more than 50% of Americans coping with some sort of treatment for anxiety, more and more are seeking out alternative treatment methods. In some cases, Western pharmaceuticals cannot be avoided, but, more often than not, the root of the problem is some imbalance within ourselves. 

While most acupuncture research is controversial (a topic for another day), one thing that most people can agree on, is that acupuncture releases endorphins (happy hormones) into the bloodstream. Happy people are calmer people, see how that might help?? While the immediate effect of acupuncture can be very calming and relaxing, the lasting effect is where anxiety sufferers can really find solace. 

Acupuncture is like stretching. You can do it once and feel great, but if you do it on a regular basis the effects are longer lasting. This could not be more true for anxiety sufferers. With regular treatments, patients can expect a balancing of their qi which will leave them calmer, more even tempered, and with a better ability to manage stressors and anxiety triggers.

Once symptoms are managed, patients can begin to space out their treatments (bi-weekly, monthly, etc) and move to a maintenance schedule. Some people can achieve total relief, while others are prone to certain imbalances. We all know that one person who always gets a cold, or who is always nervous, or gets headaches, we all have our "thing", which is what makes maintenance treatments necessary.  

​Being able to take back control of your body without regular medication is the goal, and it is my belief most, if not all, people can achieve this. 

One of our most popular questions! People new to acupuncture often wonder how the whole thing works. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sits on the opposite end of the medical spectrum which we are so accustomed to. Instead of treating with pharmacology, acupuncture and TCM works by identifying the imbalances in your body, and using the energy of different acupuncture channels and points to correct it. 

This brings us back to the original question: do you need to believe it to achieve it. As with most other TCM questions, the answer is both yes and no. Let's start with the easier half of this answer: no. When an acupuncture needle is inserted into a point, it will illicit an effect on the qi (energy) in the area. This is done whether you "believe" it or not. Animals receive acupuncture for temperament and pain, and achieve great results. They are not aware of the concept or believing in the theory and yet they walk away from treatments calmer and with better movement. 

Unfortunately, as humans, we overthink and question everything that happens. For some people with serious ailments, the idea that the body that turned against them, can now somehow heal them, is an idea that is difficult to grasp. And, yes, this attitude can hinder a treatment. Emotions are considered pathogenic in TCM, too much of any emotion brings with it an affect on your qi. Anger can stagnate the qi, joy can scatter the qi, prolonged grief can weaken the lung qi and impact its functions, so on and so forth. This is important, because if you hold on to an emotion during your treatments, it can inhibit the overall effect. These people can still get better, but it often takes a bit longer. 

To make a long story short: No, you don't have to believe in acupuncture for it to work, but if you're willing to open your mind and give it a try, I think you will leave knowing that it does.