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Writer's picturelao wu

Acupuncture for Anxiety & Panic Attacks

Updated: Feb 12

Are you stressed? Feeling anxious for no reason? Has your anxiety become so obvious that your heart starts beating and you're not quite sure what's going on? You can have panic attacks, a very real disorder, and if left unchecked, you can be in a constant state of stress.




There are many prescription medications on the market for anxiety and panic attacks. Benzodiazepines are a class of anti-anxiety medications that are usually given when a person is unable to sleep or feels out of control. When taken, it has a sedative effect, allowing the patient to fall asleep or calm down. Such drugs include Valium, Xanax, and Ativan. They work by depressing the central nervous system, but side effects can include severe drowsiness and drowsiness. These medications do not promote health, so when the sedative wears off, anxiety tends to start again, leading to the need for further medication. It's a downward spiral that leads to addiction or dependence on anti-anxiety drugs.


Acupuncture is a natural, non-addictive alternative to prescription medication used with remarkable success in the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Acupuncture is a form of Eastern medicine that originated in China but is now widely used by licensed acupuncturists in the United States.


In June 2007, the University of Westminster, London, UK presented a report on the efficacy of acupuncture for anxiety and panic attacks. After searching for 12 studies on acupuncture for anxiety, they found "positive findings on acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder suggest further research is warranted".


Anxiety and panic attacks can debilitate patients. However, acupuncture can reduce the severity of symptoms almost immediately. Sterile microsurgical needles are inserted into body parts to significantly calm the nervous system and calm the mind. The needles are almost painless because they are thin, about the width of a cat's whiskers. Patients reported a reduction in anxiety or panic levels after only one session and completely reduced to a minimum after 2-3 additional sessions. It is important to remember that acupuncture restores balance in the body and can treat a variety of ailments.


Acupuncture is becoming more popular in the United States as more people look for natural, safe ways to fight illness and disease. Prescription drugs can be expensive, and we often learn some time after a drug has been on the market that prescription drugs can have dangerous side effects. Acupuncture treatment has no known significant side effects when used to treat anxiety disorders. In fact, it can be a very useful tool for restoring emotional health and well-being.


Do not stop taking prescription medications without first consulting your doctor, but it is safe to try acupuncture as a free treatment and medication. You may find that after a few sessions, you feel better and less dependent on the anxiety prescription you need.

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