In our fast-paced world, many of us deal with the quiet struggles of anxiety or depression. Even though the two conditions manifest differently, both anxiety and depression share common ground in affecting our mental well-being. It is also quite typical for them to coexist, as they often share similar symptoms. These might include:
- Sleep Disturbances: Both anxiety and depression can lead to difficulties with sleep, such as insomnia or oversleeping.
- Changes in Appetite: Significant changes in appetite, whether an increase or decrease, are common in both conditions.
- Irritability: Feelings of irritability and heightened emotional sensitivity can be present in both anxiety and depression.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or experiencing a general sense of mental fog can be symptoms of both disorders.
- Physical Symptoms: Various physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue, can be shared between anxiety and depression.
- Negative Thoughts: Both conditions may involve persistent negative thoughts, self-doubt, or feelings of hopelessness.
- Avoidance Behaviors: Individuals with anxiety or depression may engage in avoidance behaviors, withdrawing from social activities or situations that once brought joy.
Acupuncture can play an important and positive role in the treatment of both anxiety and depression and its effectiveness is evidenced by scientific research. One of the most important studies was published by researchers from the University of York. A large scale randomised controlled trial of 755 patients with moderate to severe depression, led by dr. Hugh MacPherson, showed that both acupuncture and counselling significantly reduced the severity of depression and that these benefits were largely sustained for 12 months after the treatment. Dr MacPherson said: “For people who have depression, who have tried various medical options, who are still not getting the benefit they want, they should try acupuncture or counselling as options that are now known to be clinically effective”.
Acupuncture works by influencing brain chemistry, enhancing the production of serotonin and endorphins while also regulating neurochemical pathways for dopamine, noradrenaline, cortisol, and neuropeptide Y. These elements play crucial roles in emotional and physiological processes within the central nervous system, governing appetite, stress response, and controlling motivation, memory, and attention. In addition, acupuncture stimulates specific brain areas, such as the primary somatosensory cortex, reducing sensitivity to pain and stress. It also inhibits the analytical part of the brain, the amygdala, responsible for anxiety and worry, fostering a state of relaxation.