Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine have been in use for thousands of years and are recognized by the World Health Organization as some of the most common forms of traditional medicine worldwide (1). These healing practices differ from Western medicine in their approach to physical and emotional issues. In Eastern Medicine, the focus is on identifying the root cause of disease rather than treating symptoms alone. Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety can have multiple causes, ranging from biochemical imbalances and allergies to physical or emotional trauma.
When working with patients experiencing mental health challenges, we remind them that every symptom has an underlying cause. Anxiety, for instance, can manifest as heart palpitations, fatigue, or other physical symptoms, while depression can result in feelings of irritability, anger, or even physical pain. Eastern Medicine doesn't distinguish between "emotional" and "physical" symptoms since they're all interconnected. Every symptom we experience has an impact on the whole body.
How exactly does acupuncture and Eastern Medicine help heal issues related to mental health? To treat these issues, acupuncturists begin by identifying the possible causes through a thorough intake process. The practitioner will ask comprehensive questions about a patient's health history, including physical and emotional trauma, and current conditions that might be contributing to the symptoms. In addition, we examine the tongue and pulse to identify any issues that have been present for a long time, as well as more recent concerns. After this initial evaluation, a treatment plan will be developed, which may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary adjustments.
How does a patient know if acupuncture is “working?” One of the benefits of acupuncture is that it encourages patients to become more self-aware of their bodies and to observe objective changes over time. Keeping track of specific symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, or irritability, can be useful in determining how well the treatment is working. A good practitioner will work with patients to identify changes in frequency, intensity, and duration of each symptom. If a patient is having trouble falling asleep, for example, and acupuncture treatment results in an improvement in sleep patterns, we would identify that symptom (insomnia) as moving in the right direction.
It's important to be open and honest with your practitioner throughout the process, as this allows for adjustments to the treatment plan to be made. Although acupuncture is not a quick fix, and it may take some time to see the benefits, it can be an effective alternative or complementary treatment to traditional pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, because Eastern Medicine takes a holistic approach, acupuncture can also be used to address other health concerns at the same time.
Bottom line, acupuncture and Eastern Medicine can be a valuable tool for anyone struggling with mental health challenges. Whether you are looking for a safe and effective alternative to pharmaceuticals or if you are hoping to improve the effectiveness of your medication acupuncture can help. With its focus on addressing the root cause of disease, it offers a safe and effective alternative to conventional Western medicine. And the best part of working with an acupuncturist? They can also address your other health concerns at the same time- it’s an entire system of medicine and works on your whole body!
