Depression and stress can occur as a result of daily pressures, an inactive lifestyle, eating processed foods, and overworking. They can also be symptoms of health irregularities, including disease, injury, or dietary imbalances. In combination with traditional therapy and a healthy lifestyle, acupuncture can facilitate a stronger healing process for both your body and mind.
Signs of depression and stress
It’s common to occasionally feel stressed, lonely, or depressed. If these issues begin to affect your daily life, however, they can lead to more complicated health issues. Depression and stress can affect people of all ages. If you believe that you are suffering depression or acute stress, seek professional help immediately.
Symptoms include:
- Trouble remembering, concentrating, and making decisions
- Fatigue, insomnia, pessimism, and hopelessness
- Irritability, overeating, loss of appetite
- Digestive issues
- Low self-esteem
- Suicidal thoughts
- Persistent pain, cramps, or headaches
Modern life can occasionally be overwhelming. According to a study by Health Canada, about 8% of adults experience depressive episodes at one point during their lives, and one out of ten Canadians suffer from post traumatic stress. These numbers seem to be steadily increasing, and many patients are looking for alternative (or additional) treatment options.
Healing effect of acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for various health issues for thousands of years. In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), your “qi” translates as the “flow of energy” in your body, sometimes known as “vital energy”. It streams through your physical body and is channelled by energy centres known as meridians. If your energy is blocked, it can be because of physical illness or emotional/mental stressors, like depression. Acupuncture is believed to remove energy blockages, restoring the flow of your qi and optimising your health.
Why acupuncture works well for stress and depression
Acupuncture is an excellent way of reducing inflammation, which can be a common cause of depression. It reduces stress and restores the HPA (Hypothalamus Pituitary Adrenal) axis. Additionally, acupuncture can release endorphins (also known as “feel good” hormones) and slow the body’s production of cortisol (stress hormones). The relaxing result can significantly boost a patient’s mood.
Acupuncture has countless benefits, and is a safe, natural treatment for stress and depression.
Brampton Ortho Neuro Physiocare, Ontario offers healing and pain relieving treatments through acupuncture. Discover a path to better health and call us today at (905) 454-4975.
