May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is recognized as National Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health has become a critical issue in recent years, and the pandemic has only amplified this concern. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness in a given year. Furthermore, research indicates that mental health issues often go undiagnosed and untreated, resulting in more severe problems down the road.

While traditional therapies, such as counseling and medication, are often effective for treating mental health issues, acupuncture and Chinese medicine have also demonstrated their effectiveness as adjunctive therapies alongside conventional mental health services.

Several studies have found that acupuncture can be effective in treating depression and anxiety. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2020 analyzed 26 randomized controlled trials and found that acupuncture is an effective stand alone or adjunct treatment for depression and anxiety. Research has found that acupuncture works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, in the brain, which helps the treatment for depression and anxiety.

Chinese herbal medicine is another therapy that can be used in conjunction with acupuncture to promote mental health. Chinese herbal formulas are customized based on an individual's specific symptoms and constitution. For example, if someone is experiencing anxiety, they may be prescribed a formula that includes herbs known to calm the mind and soothe the nerves.

In addition to acupuncture and herbal medicine, traditional Chinese practices such as meditation, qigong, and tai chi can also be beneficial for promoting mental health. These practices focus on mindfulness, breathing, and movement, and have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.

Mental health is a critical issue that affects millions of people each year. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have shown to be an effective stand alone therapy or in addition to conventional treatments, and can alleviate a wide range of symptoms related to anxiety and depression. If you would like to begin your journey to better emotional health, please contact us to learn more.