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Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that mental health can have a profound effect on physical health and well-being. In the fast-paced world of computers, smartphones and digital technology, anxiety is an ever-increasing issue. Anxiety can take a physical toll on health by causing complaints such as stomach pain and headaches. Acupuncture is one form of Chinese medicine that has the potential to ease symptoms of anxiety, thus also alleviating physical ailments. Always speak with your doctor before getting acupuncture treatments.

The Anxiety Problem

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. In fact, about 18 percent of the population, which translates to about 40 million people, experience some kind of anxiety. People who experience anxiety are more likely to visit their physician, which means they end up spending more money for their health care. One of the most common reasons why people with anxiety visit their doctors is because of the physical symptoms that often accompany this type of mental illness. These individuals also tend to miss more work due to anxiety-related symptoms, which can influence how much money they earn.

Acupuncture As a Potential Treatment

Acupuncture is the Chinese practice of inserting thin needles into the skin in specific spots, called acupuncture points, to treat a specific condition. When administering acupuncture for patients with anxiety, the exact placement of the needles depends on what type of anxiety disorder, such as a phobia or panic disorder, a patient has been diagnosed with. For example, acupuncture has been successful for some patients experiencing post traumatic stress disorder, but the needle placement for that would be different than the needle placement for panic attacks. The number and frequency of acupuncture treatments will also vary depending on the specific diagnosis.

Will It Work For Me?

While there's no guarantee that acupuncture will ease your symptoms of anxiety, and the related physical complaints, it's worth talking to your doctor about. The problem with alternative medicine, which is the category that acupuncture falls into, is that there isn't a large body of research-based evidence suggesting that it works for the majority of the population. Acupuncture at a clinic like Relief Acupuncture might relieve symptoms for one person with symptoms of anxiety disorder while not helping another patient at all. If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of acupuncture. For most people, acupuncture doesn't pose a risk, so it's worth a try if your doctor feels that it's an appropriate treatment for you.