
5 Acupuncture Benefits for Mental Health
Acupuncture Benefits for Mental Health at Amend Treatment
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. A study from 2024 shows adding acupuncture to a mental health treatment plan improved several factors of patient health “including an 75.5% reduction in pain severity, a 53.1% improvement in sleep quality, a 78.4% drop in depression, a 41.1% decline in anxiety, a 43.7% decrease in fatigue, a 38.2% decrease in anger, and a 42.6% improvement in overall quality of life.”
At Amend Treatment, each Client completes a thorough mental health assessment with our expert care team prior to starting treatment. Acupuncture therapy may be recommended to patients struggling with anxiety, depression, or the negative mental health decline during perimenopause or menopause.
Acupuncture Benefits for Mental Health
There are numerous acupuncture benefits for mental health. Here are five ways in which acupuncture has been shown to improve mental well-being:
#1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This can help reduce stress and anxiety levels and promote relaxation and calmness.
#2. Improves Sleep
Acupuncture can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep-wake cycles. This can improve sleep quality and quantity and help reduce symptoms of insomnia.
#3. Boosts Mood
Acupuncture can increase the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which is associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.
#4. Relieves Pain
Acupuncture can stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and reduce inflammation, which can help relieve chronic pain and discomfort.
#5. Enhances Overall Well-being
Acupuncture can improve overall physical and mental health by promoting balance and harmony within the body.
These benefits of acupuncture for mental health can be especially beneficial for women who may be experiencing negative mental health side effects from the menopausal transition of perimenopause or menopause.
Can Acupuncture Help with Anxiety and Depression?
Acupuncture can be an effective complementary therapy for anxiety and depression. By stimulating specific points in the body, acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation and calmness. Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to increase the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture for mental health. A study from 2021 found that acupuncture therapy aimed at reducing anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder had beneficial effects compared to non-acupuncture therapies. Another study from 2018 found that acupuncture can be a safe and effective treatment option for anxiety and can help reduce symptoms such as worry, tension, and irritability.
At Amend Treatment, we believe in a holistic approach to mental health care that incorporates multiple treatment modalities. There are plenty of acupuncture benefits for mental health, which is why we offer acupuncture therapy to help our clients achieve optimal mental well-being.
How Quickly Does Acupuncture Work for Depression and Anxiety?
The speed at which acupuncture works for anxiety can vary from person to person. Some people may experience immediate relief after just one session, while others may require several sessions before noticing any significant improvement. The duration and frequency of acupuncture treatment may depend on various factors, including the severity and duration of symptoms, overall health and lifestyle habits, and the individual’s response to treatment.
To achieve optimal results, it is generally recommended to have at least 6 to 8 acupuncture sessions. Depending on the individual’s needs and goals, these sessions can be spaced out over a few weeks or months. In addition to acupuncture, it may be beneficial to incorporate other treatment modalities, such as talk therapy and lifestyle changes, to manage anxiety symptoms and improve overall mental health.
At Amend Treatment, we work closely with our clients to develop personalized treatment plans that incorporate a range of therapies and techniques, including acupuncture, to help them achieve optimal mental well-being.
Acupuncture Benefits for Mental Health at Amend Treatment
At Amend Treatment, we focus on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of your condition. As acupuncture therapy can be a safe and effective complementary therapy for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, working with our NCCAOM Board-Certified Acupuncturist can help you heal in body and mind. By promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and boosting overall well-being, acupuncture can help improve mental health of Clients in between the work they’re doing in individual and group therapy sessions.
We encourage our you to learn more about the acupuncture benefits for mental health by contacting Amend Treatment today. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care that addresses our clients’ unique needs.