Using Acupuncture to Support Anxiety and Pandemic Fatigue
As we quickly approach one year of living in a pandemic, anxiety and depression symptoms are at an all time high. After extended periods of separation, reduced time outdoors, distancing from friends and family, we are now feeling more disconnected, lonely, and overwhelmed as a population than ever before. Surveys taken over the last year have shown a dramatic increase in symptoms associated with depression. Numbers have nearly quadrupled as people continue to face uncertainty, death, and isolation everyday as the new norm.
This data is greatly supported by what I see in clinic when working with patients. Although the primary condition patients come in for might be pain, skin issues, or irregular periods, depression and anxiety during the pandemic has affected nearly all my patients in some way and impacted vital lifestyle habits, such as sleep, digestion, and overall wellbeing.
Depression from a Chinese Medicine Perspective
In Chinese medicine, one of several causes of depression is the stagnation of qi, or energy, in the body. Less movement, feelings of being trapped inside, no outlets for creativity or socialization… these are all things that have the potential for decreasing and blocking energy from freely flowing in the body. When this happens, our emotions become stuck, leading to feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, irritability, anxiety. Imagine feelings that are trapped in the body, that have no where to go or process.
In addition, the energy of Springtime is that of outward and expansive movement. It is when flowers begin to bloom, weather begins to warm. Our bodies long to open back up and awaken after a long, cold winter. And yet, due to the pandemic, we must continue to practice social distancing and stay at home, thus coming in direct conflict with the natural energy of our environment. This further affects our body’s ability to regulate and have proper qi flow. Without good circulation, other bodily functions begin to weaken, symptoms begin to appear.
Treating Depression and Anxiety with Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine has a long history of treating anxiety and depression holistically. Typically a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary/lifestyle changes are used to reduce symptoms like panic attacks or insomnia, and to ease anxiety. In practice, I find that Chinese medicine paired with talk therapy (and conventional medication when necessary) can be extremely effective in helping patients deal with these types of symptoms.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can have a positive effect on serotonin and norepinephrine levels, and help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression. The National Health Institute (NIH) also lists acupuncture as an effective treatment for anxiety.
Chinese Medicine Tips for Anxiety
For patients dealing with anxiety, there are several lifestyle tips and changes I recommend:
Regular acupuncture (at least 1x per week) - patients often report feeling more energized, calm, and grounded immediately after sessions
Herbal formulas can also help with many symptoms including irritability, heart palpitations, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, digestive issues….
20 minutes of light stretching and exercise in the morning - this increases the flow of qi through the body, without further stressing it
Take a B-Vitamin and Vitamin D supplement - both of these are shown to improve moods and reduce anxiety. Chat with us for recommendations on supplement forms that are bioaccessible and responsibly sourced.
Schedule an appointment for a personalized and holistic assessment of your health, and experience how acupuncture and herbal medicine can support and lift you in your everyday.
