Case Reports

1) Acupuncture for Anxiety Relief

Many people associate acupuncture with pain relief, but multiple studies also show that the ancient Chinese practice is excellent at calming anxiety, reducing stress and inducing an overall calming effect on patients.

Our office performs acupuncture for clients seeking anxiety and stress relief.

How Does Acupuncture Help Anxiety?

Acupuncture therapy, which involves placing hair thin needles into the body to relieve tensions and trigger responses, dates back to ancient China. Though seemingly a somewhat unorthodox method of stress management, acupuncture is scientifically recognized to aid in treatment of anxiety and is endorsed by both the National Institute of Health(NIH) and the World Health Organization(WHO). Acupuncture helps relax stress points in the body, stimulating the nervous system, releasing endorphins and triggering a natural relaxation.  Acupuncture for anxiety is an excellent course of therapy for those looking for safe, non-medication based therapies.

Acupuncture can help patients feel calm and balance their emotions.  Like many other forms of treatment, acupuncture for anxiety requires gradual progression through regular treatment. The treatments themselves are often considered relaxing and enjoyable.  Contrary to popular belief, acupuncture therapy is NOT painful.  Many patients emerge from their acupuncture treatment feeling rested and refreshed.

Other symptoms that may be relieved through acupuncture include headaches, insomnia, arthritis, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue syndrome, and sports injuries. The therapy is also effective in the treatment of intense or chronic pain in a number of different areas on the body. Frequently, patients who have had limited results with other types of treatment find success through acupuncture at our office.

Learn More About Acupuncture for Anxiety

For more information about acupuncture for anxiety or any other condition, call us at 201-313-0780 or visit us (first consultation is free).

2) Best Teas for Stress and Anxiety (from Dr. OZ shows)

In the Asian mountain regions of Asia, teas have been used for millennia to help with relaxation, in rituals (like spiritual and religious ceremonies), for nourishment, and as healing medicine.

In most cases of anxiety today, modern medicine will look to prescription medications to help people cope. According to a report in the 2010 Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, people who use anti-anxiety medication have a 36% increased mortality risk. That means people using these drugs are almost 40% more likely to die than people who do not use them. While these drugs can be lifesaving in urgent situations, in most cases, there are natural alternatives.

The following teas are all wonderful for helping your body process stress, relax, and heal from the depletion that can occur as a result of long-term stressors.

Passionflower

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) was first grown and used by Native Americans in the Southern United States, like so many of our plant medicines. Passionflower has the flavone chrysin, which has wonderful anti-anxiety benefits and, in part, can work similarly to the pharmaceutical Xanax (Alprazolam) 

Two studies totaling almost 200 people showed no difference between the efficacy of common anxiety medications and passionflower, but showed that the herb may cause less drowsiness
.

How to Dose Passionflower

Passionflower tea can be made by infusing 1 tablespoon of dried herbs in 1 cup boiling water. Let the mixture steep for about 10 minutes. Drink the tea near bedtime to induce restful sleep. More typically, we have patients use two droppers-full (about 50 drops) of tincture in warm water as a tea before bed. For people who are very anxious, they can take 25 drops as needed, and they may find it a reasonable substitute for Xanax and other anti-anxiety medications.