Mental Health

Mental health disorders are medical conditions that affect a person’s feelings, thinking, mood, ability to interact with others and normal daily functioning.

Perhaps it is a sign of the times, and the fast-paced and stressful modern world we live in, but mental health issues appear to be increasingly common, affecting up to a third of adults at some point in their lives. Anxiety states, depression, mood change, PMT, stress, all fit under the umbrella of mental health. Seeking help is the first step on the road to recovery.

What makes Five Element acupuncture so attractive for addressing mental and emotional disorders is the understanding that we are made up of a body, a mind and a spirit, (in this context spirit means the emotions). These three aspects of a person must be in harmony, if one of these is out of balance then all three are out of balance. For a person to be healthy, all three must be interacting with each other in a balanced way. With acupuncture treatment this harmony can be returned.  Along with this I also recognise the importance of the environment, diet and lifestyle and I provide support and advice in these areas.

I have had many years of experience in working with mental health patients and once a patient begins to understand and experience what it is like to have their body mind and spirit brought into balance with acupuncture treatment, they then get to experience what is called ‘oneness with the self’.

Reducing or coming off medication

Conventional medicine for many people with mental health disorders or emotional issues include the widespread prescription of antidepressants and anti-anxiolytics which can have a place in helping. However, often people stay on medications long term, which can bring about other issues. So, whilst acupuncture is complementary to conventional medicine and so can be used alongside any medication you may be on, many people come to my clinic because they would prefer to reduce or not to be on them at all, for example antidepressants or anxiety anxiolytics. I can advise you how appropriately this can be built into your treatment plan and, depending on the medication, if you should also involve your GP or consultant.