Believed to have originated in China thousands of years ago, acupuncture is a medical procedure which involves placing thin needles into a person’s skin. These needles target pressure points in the body, releasing beneficial body chemicals that can aid in the wellbeing of physical, psychological, and emotional health.
Those who suffer from mood disorders, in particular, have seen vast improvements after undergoing acupuncture treatment. Let’s discuss how exactly acupuncture can help your mood, shall we?
Eases Depression
Chronic depression is a debilitating illness which prevents the afflicted from fully and thoroughly living their lives. Those who experience depression report feelings of hopelessness, agitation, and emotional numbness.
You can combat depression through a number of different means, including exercise and medication, but for some, this is not enough. Do you struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness? If so, acupuncture might be able to help you.
Studies have shown that the procedure can ease the symptoms of depression. This happens because acupuncture releases serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is thought to be important for mood balance and stabilization.
Calms Anxiety
Perhaps the most common mental illness existing on the planet is anxiety. The stresses of the modern world have caused a perpetual racing in people’s minds, causing them to feel ill at ease in a variety of situations.
Like depression, anxiety can be quelled by everything from exercise to medication. What you might not realize, though, is that acupuncture can also help to ease the effects of anxiety.
Like with depression, the reason that anxiety can be helped through acupuncture is that acupuncture releases serotonin in the brain. This “feel good” chemical balances out your mood, slowing down your thoughts and allowing you to concentrate.
Reduces the Effects of Insomnia
Do you suffer from chronic insomnia? Do you routinely have trouble falling asleep at night? Insomnia is caused by a number of different factors, including diet, exercise habits, and brain chemicals. In most cases, it walks hand-in-hand with depression and anxiety.
As with depression and anxiety, insomnia can be treated with acupuncture. Not only does acupuncture release serotonin, but melatonin as well. Melatonin is the body chemical which aids in sleep at night.
The combination of these two chemicals slows down the thought process, allowing you to live in the moment and fall asleep peacefully.
Improves Concentration
Perhaps you struggle with concentrating at work or school? Maybe you’re constantly distracted by racing thoughts? If so, you can benefit from acupuncture.
Through the targeting of specific pressure points, your body is able to release important brain chemicals which serve to stabilize mood. The more stabilized your mood, the easier you’ll be able to concentrate on the tasks that are in front of you.
Staves Off Headaches
Do you suffer from chronic headaches? If so, your mood is almost undoubtedly affected by them. Those who suffer from chronic headaches almost always suffer from a coexisting mental illness such an anxiety or depression.
Fortunately, acupuncture can help to reduce the pain associated with headaches. It does this not only through the releasing of brain chemicals, but through the promotion of blood flow. Getting blood to flow to the brain will help to ease pain.
If you can get rid of the headaches, you might also be able to reduce the effects of the mental illness which coexists with them.
Looking to Improve Your Mood Through Acupuncture in Chicago or Olympia Fields?
Do you suffer from depression, anxiety, or insomnia? Are you interested in undergoing acupuncture in Chicago or Olympia Fields? If so, we here at the Feely Center for Optimal Health are the people to see.
Our team of doctors is highly trained in the acupuncture process, offering a comfortable and stress-free experience. We would be honored to help improve your mood.
Contact us today to discuss your needs!