I walked out of the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic and into the bright warm sunlight. I started walking home, basking in the beautiful day, stopping to stare at a plant growing up through the cracks of the pavement by the GO Station. “Isn’t it beautiful” I thought. I felt so good, so peaceful, almost like I was floating.
I had just walked out of my first acupuncture treatment for anxiety.
Can Naturopathic Doctors do acupuncture?
When I first bring up acupuncture to many patients, they are sometimes surprised to learn that it’s part of my practice. Yes, where I practice (Ontario), acupuncture is part of the scope of practice of Naturopathic Doctors under the Ministry of Health’s Naturopathy Act. In fact acupuncture is one of my favourite tools for treating pain, hormonal concerns, digestion and - my most favourite condition to treat - anxiety.
Does acupuncture work for anxiety?
In my personal experience, and clinical opinion, acupuncture can be highly effective at reducing anxiety. Moving beyond my opinion, while there are many studies looking at acupuncture for a variety of anxiety provoking situations, Earlier in 2021, a meta-analysis was published looking at acupuncture studies for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The authors looked at 20 studies and concluded that, while we can always use more research, acupuncture was more effective than the controls at reducing anxiety symptoms.
How does acupuncture work to reduce anxiety?
I love when anyone asks me “how does acupuncture work” because the answer can be so complicated. We can look both at how the system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) traditionally thinks of and treats the condition we call anxiety, as well as investigating modern scientific evidence for treating anxiety.
What how does acupuncture treat anxiety in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
In the broadest sense, acupuncture works by helping to bring balance to the body by directing someones Qi, or energy, through the insertion of acupuncture needles into specific points on the body. When I treat “anxiety” with acupuncture, I first determine what a patients diagnosis or pattern would be in TCM. In TCM each organ system, represented by points and meridians on the body, has its own functions both physically and emotionally. So while I am always working to “calm the mind” and choosing points with those actions; my supplementary points are based on each person’s unique physical symptoms and emotional experience driving their anxiety.
What research is there for the mechanism of action for acupuncture and anxiety?
When we look into the research into mechanisms of action for acupuncture and anxiety, the conclusions so far are that we don’t yet understand how it works. Much of the current investigation is focused on anxiety related to chronic pain, exploring mechanisms around brain circuitry, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and increased activity in specific brain regions.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
While many studies show benefits of reducing anxiety from a single treatment for a procedure, the research in Generalized (GAD) ranges from 4-10 weeks. Because of this, I typically recommend a starting protocol 6 sessions of weekly acupuncture treatment to reduce anxiety, and always with space to individualize the number and spacing of sessions for what works best for my patient.
“I typically reccomend a starting protocol of 6 weekly acupuncture sessions”
What are the side effects of getting acupuncture?
In general acupuncture is well tolerated, with few side effects. In the meta-analysis of acupuncture and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) the acupuncture groups had less side effects reported than the control groups. The most common reported side effects were needle pain, hematoma, faintness during acupuncture treatment, and bleeding. A full table of reported common and rare side effects have been researched.
Ready to try acupuncture for your anxiety?
Book your naturopathic appointment with Dr. Katie Thomson Aitken ND to get started living with less anxiety.
I’m anxious about getting acupuncture.
Working with patients who are anxious about getting an acupuncture treatment is a lot of the clinical work that I do. Here are some Tranquil Minds best practices for reducing anxiety in acupuncture.
You always know what to expect.
Informed Consent is my number one priority. Before inserting needles, I discuss the expected risks and benefits of a treatment with my patients. I frequently ask for feedback as to how my patients are feeling about the procedure and let them know we can stop at any time, for any reason. Even if we were planning an acupuncture treatment for your appointment, you never have to have acupuncture.
You won’t be left alone.
Laying on a treatment table with needles in can feel very vulnerable. For this reason, I typically stay in the treatment room with my patients for the duration of their appointment. That way, if a needle becomes uncomfortable I can remove it, and if you have a question, I can answer it. As a bonus, we often get to do other naturopathic work, such as lifestyle counselling, while the needles are inserted.
I use techniques to help distract your mind and body.
Often my patients find it most comfortable when they don’t have to think about, or feel, their acupuncture needles being inserted. There are many techniques I use to help make the acupuncture experience as enjoyable and pain free as possible. From the careful selection of my needles themselves, to the techniques I use to insert the needles, to coaching my patients through breath work or just asking about their day, everything is designed to make your experience of acupuncture as pleasant as possible.
How can I get acupuncture for my anxiety disorder?
New and existing patients within driving distance to Guelph, Ontario can book consultations online or by calling Norfolk Wellness Centre at 519-827-0040.