Mental Health

Approximately one in six adults suffer with a neurotic disorder, (ONS 2000), the most common being mixed anxiety and depression disorder. Anxiety UK suggest that over two thirds of the UK’s estimated 3 million anxiety sufferers do not seek treatment for their condition even though a lot of sufferers expressed the condition affects their career and relationships.
Anxiety can trigger a variety of responses in the human body, from physical responses such as sweating, nausea, diarrhoea, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold hands and body aches, to emotional responses such as disturbed sleep, irritability , fear and poor concentration, as well as behavioural and cognitive responses. The mental strain of a fast-paced modern life can easily lead to a multitude of unpleasant symptoms.

Conventional treatment for anxiety disorders includes psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, (CBT) and applied relaxation, and medication such as some antidepressants and benzodiazepines, (NICE 2007). All drug treatments have side affects, and many may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Acupuncture can be used to effectively treat anxiety. Research has shown that acupuncture helps to ease anxiety by acting on the area of the brain in charge with reducing sensitivity to pain and stress, hence promoting the relaxation responses. Acupuncture regulates hormones and neurotransmitters that are known to affect our mood and well-being, such as endorphins, serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine.

Acupuncture can be also used safely and effectively in conjunction with conventional drug treatments, minimising the unwanted side effects. My treatment is always based on a full case history before deciding on a treatment plan that may consist of acupuncture,( possible western herbal medicine), lifestyle and dietary advice. I have seen great results in using Five Element Acupuncture to treat anxiety disorders and it is really rewarding to see positive effects in my patient’s lives.

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (2007). Anxiety (online). Available at http://guidence.nice.org.uk/CGQuickRefGuide/pdf/English

Office of National Statistics (2000). Psychiatric Morbidity among Adults living in Private Households. (online) Available at

http://statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_health/psychmorb.pdf