Stress & sleep
Acupuncture for Anxiety & Panic
Everyone feels anxious from time to time. But when anxiety is often present, it can feel as if your body is constantly on high alert. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used to support the body in rediscovering calm, breathing space and stability, also alongside conventional treatment.
How do anxiety and panic show up?
Anxiety is a normal response of the body to a situation experienced as threatening: an important conversation, a medical result or an uncertain period. Sometimes, however, there is no clear cause, or the anxiety remains long after the situation has passed. Anxiety can then increasingly affect daily life, work and relationships.
Anxiety is not only felt in the mind, but also in the body. Many people notice a racing heart or palpitations, shallow breathing, a tight feeling in the chest, a lump in the throat, sweating, dizziness, cold hands or an unsettled feeling in the stomach. Worrying, irritability, difficulty concentrating and sleep problems are also common. During a panic attack, these symptoms come on suddenly and intensely.
Prolonged anxiety keeps the nervous system in a state of alertness. The body remains "on", even when there is no immediate reason. This is exhausting, both physically and emotionally, and can make it difficult to truly settle down, however much you want to.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anxiety from a TCM perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, body and mind are seen as one whole. Anxiety is associated with the Shen, the mind, which should be anchored in the Heart, and with the Kidneys, which TCM connects with the emotion of fear. Which pattern is most prominent helps determine the choice of treatment.
Heart and Gallbladder Qi deficiency
Xin Dan Qi XuWithin TCM, this pattern is associated with being easily startled, quickly worried, indecisive, palpitations and light or restless sleep.
Kidney deficiency
Shen XuWithin TCM, the Kidneys are seen as the body’s deeper reserve and are connected with the emotion of fear. When this reserve is depleted, anxiety may be deeper and more persistent, often together with fatigue and a lack of resilience.
Disturbed Shen
Shen Bu AnWhen the Shen is disturbed, for example by prolonged tension or Heat, this may show up as a crowded mind, worrying, palpitations, a driven feeling and difficulty falling asleep.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help with anxiety?
Treatment starts with a conversation. We look not only at what you feel, but also at the circumstances in which the tension developed and how your body responds to stress, fatigue and emotional strain. Based on this, a personalised treatment plan is made.
- 01Targeted acupuncture: very fine needles are used on carefully selected acupuncture points that are applied within TCM to promote calm, breathing space and stability.
- 02Laser ear acupuncture: points on the ear are always treated with the laser, without needles. These points are often used for tension and restlessness and can be combined with the rest of the treatment.
- 03A moment of calm: during the treatment you don’t have to do or achieve anything. Many people experience the session as a moment of stillness in which the body has the chance to relax by itself.
- 04Lifestyle and recovery: attention is also given to factors that can influence tension, such as sleep, nutrition, rhythm and moments of recovery during the day.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help with anxiety?
Acupuncture can be used to support the body in finding calm and relaxation. Treatment is tailored to how anxiety shows up for you, both physically and mentally. The degree of change people experience varies per person.
Can acupuncture be used for panic attacks?
Acupuncture can be used as support for complaints related to panic, such as tension, restlessness and heightened alertness. Treatment takes place between attacks and combines well with guidance from a psychologist or GP.
Has acupuncture for anxiety been researched?
Yes, acupuncture has been studied for anxiety complaints, including in people with generalised anxiety disorder. Research also looks at its influence on the nervous system and on substances involved in mood and relaxation. The results are encouraging, but studies often involve smaller groups of participants and the degree of improvement varies per person.
Can I combine acupuncture with medication or therapy?
Yes. Acupuncture combines well with conventional treatment, such as talking therapy or medication. If you want to change anything about your medication, always discuss this with your doctor first.
I feel nervous about needles. Can I still be treated?
Certainly. Laser acupuncture is a completely needle-free form of acupuncture in which selected points are treated with therapeutic laser light. With needle acupuncture, too, treatment is built up gently and adapted to what feels comfortable for you.
How many treatments are needed?
This varies per person and depends on how long the complaints have existed and what else is going on. After the first treatments, we review together how you respond and what a suitable follow-up would be.
Related
Related complaints & patterns
Restlessness & overstimulation
Heightened sensitivity to stimuli, a crowded mind, and emotional restlessness.
Stress & tension
Constantly feeling "on", internal tension, and difficulty letting go.
Sleep problems
Trouble falling asleep, restless sleep, waking frequently, or waking up unrefreshed.
Personal Treatment Plan
Does it feel like your body is always on high alert?
During a first appointment, we take the time to look at how anxiety shows up for you and which form of acupuncture suits you best.