What role does acupuncture play in relieving stress and anxiety? How can it be used to improve mental health?

introduction:

As an ancient and effective treatment method, acupuncture has attracted much attention in recent years for relieving stress and anxiety. Its unique treatment mechanism and safety have aroused widespread interest. This article will explore the role of acupuncture in improving mental health and provide a concise and clear guide to its use. By understanding how acupuncture works and how to apply it correctly, we can better use this ancient therapy to help ourselves relieve stress and anxiety and regain peace of mind and comfort.

1. How does acupuncture relieve stress and anxiety?

Acupuncture, as a traditional Chinese medicine, has shown significant effects in relieving stress and anxiety. Its efficacy comes from TCM's unique understanding of the human meridian system and the laws of the circulation of qi and blood. It regulates the body's energy flow by stimulating specific acupuncture points, thereby achieving the goal of balancing the body and mind. Modern research shows that acupuncture affects the central nervous system, neuroendocrine system, and autonomic nervous system through multiple pathways, thereby exerting its role in relieving stress and anxiety.

Acupuncture can regulate the activity of the nervous system, thereby affecting emotions and psychological states. Studies have shown that acupuncture can regulate neurotransmitters in the brain that are related to emotion regulation, such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. By regulating the release of these neurotransmitters, acupuncture can improve the body's emotional state and reduce negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. In addition, acupuncture can also regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) and reduce cortisol levels, thereby reducing stress responses and improving physical and mental states.

Acupuncture can also relieve stress and anxiety by regulating the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The balance between the two is crucial to the body's physiological and psychological state. Studies have found that acupuncture can reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and enhance the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby reducing stress reactions and improving the body's ability to resist stress. This regulatory effect helps to restore the balance between body and mind and reduce the degree of anxiety and stress.

Acupuncture can also relieve stress and anxiety by improving sleep quality. Sleep is an important guarantee for physical and mental health, and anxiety and stress often affect sleep quality, forming a vicious cycle. Acupuncture has been proven to regulate brain electrical activity, promote the secretion of sleep hormones, improve sleep structure, and improve sleep quality. A study found that after acupuncture treatment, the sleep quality of anxious patients was significantly improved, and their anxiety levels were reduced accordingly.

II. Guidelines for the application of acupuncture in improving mental health

As an ancient and effective treatment method, acupuncture has attracted much attention in recent years in improving mental health. It has a significant effect on relieving stress and anxiety by regulating the body's energy flow and nervous system activity, as well as promoting physical and mental relaxation. The following is a guide to the application of acupuncture in improving mental health to help people better use this therapy to maintain mental health.

It is very important to know the acupoints and treatment frequency that are suitable for you. Commonly used acupoints for acupuncture treatment include Hegu, Neiguan, Taichong, etc. Choosing the right acupoints can better achieve the treatment effect. In general, it is recommended to carry out treatment under the guidance of a professional acupuncturist, and determine the frequency and duration of treatment according to individual conditions. Generally speaking, more frequent treatments may be required at the beginning, and the frequency of treatment can be gradually reduced as symptoms improve.

Maintaining a good treatment environment and mentality is also key. When receiving acupuncture treatment, choosing a quiet and comfortable environment will help improve the treatment effect. Relaxing the body and mind and maintaining a good mentality are also crucial. Through deep breathing, meditation or relaxation training, people can relax their tense emotions and enhance the treatment effect. In addition, establishing a good communication and trusting relationship with the acupuncturist can better jointly develop a treatment plan and improve the treatment effect.

Combined with other mental health maintenance methods to further enhance the treatment effect. Acupuncture, as an auxiliary therapy, can be combined with other mental health maintenance methods to work together. For example, combined with psychological counseling, drug therapy, exercise and diet adjustment, better treatment effects can be achieved. In addition, maintaining good living habits, such as regular work and rest, balanced diet and moderate exercise, is also an important means of maintaining mental health, which can improve the continuity and stability of treatment effects.

Conclusion:

By understanding the guidelines for using acupuncture to improve mental health, we can better utilize this ancient therapy. Combined with the appropriate acupuncture points, treatment environment, and other mental health maintenance methods, acupuncture provides us with an effective way to maintain physical and mental health. Actively trying and applying acupuncture in daily life will help us achieve better mental health.

Author: Zhang Haoyu Pengzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital