Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia

Many people choose Chinese medicine as part of their treatment for anxiety, depression and insomnia because they want to feel better and minimize the use of medications whenever possible. After just a few sessions most patients report improved sleep and an increased sense of well-being. In fact at the first NIH sponsored conference on acupuncture in 1997, the NIH consensus development conference on Acupuncture, it was noted that ‘a feeling of well-being’ is a side effect of acupuncture. Those of us at the conference all had a good laugh that a feeling of well-being was categorized as a side effect.
Acupuncture and herbs are a safe, effective way of treating depression, anxiety and insomnia and they have minimal negative side effects. Because Chinese medicine is holistic, emotions cannot be separated from the physical body and vice-versa, we treat both the body and mind in order to create a positive impact on your sense of well-being and bring about balance to the mind and body.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression and anxiety may include the following:

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
  • Fatigue and decreased energy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
  • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
  • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
  • Irritability, restlessness
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
  • Overeating or appetite loss
  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
  • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
  • Panic attacks

Because these symptoms frequently overlap, our practitioners are here to help you discover what is going on and create a treatment plan that is tailored to fit your needs.

We do also strongly believe in the use of psychoanalysis, talk therapy, EMDR, and medications and we work closely with several other mental health care providers including therapists and physicians. We take a hands-on approach that is rooted in an inter-disciplinary approach to mental wellness. Whether you want to avoid medications or help wean off them, or just feel better while you stay on your medication we are here to help. We are also fully conversant in which herbs are contra-indicated with anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs so you do not need to worry about over-dosing through a mixture of herbs and drugs. We also work closely with doctors to help wean patients off their medications when appropriate.

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