Do I Have Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but for many people, anxiety has become an overwhelming force that disrupts our daily lives. At Seyhart, we often see clients who don’t even realize they’re living with anxiety because it can manifest in subtle and unexpected ways - sleep disturbance, unexplained pain, and other symptoms. Understanding the signs of anxiety is the first step toward healing.
Recognizing the Emotional Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety often goes beyond feeling “stressed out.” It can show up in ways that feel deeply personal but are, in fact, quite common. For instance, you may notice a persistent fear of judgment or criticism—feeling overly concerned with how others perceive you. This can lead to excessive overthinking about interactions, worrying about whether you said or did the “right” thing. Anxiety can also take the form of perfectionism, where you set impossibly high standards for yourself, fearing that any mistake will diminish your worth or credibility. Another common sign is being hyper-focused on other people’s reactions, constantly interpreting facial expressions or tones of voice as signs of disapproval, even when none exists.
The Hidden Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety doesn’t just live in the mind—it deeply affects the body. Studies show that chronic anxiety triggers the body’s stress response, releasing cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, and fatigue (Mariotti, 2015). For some, these physical sensations become so intense they’re mistaken for unrelated medical conditions. For instance, a racing heart or chest tightness might feel like a heart problem, when in fact, it’s the body’s way of responding to emotional distress.
How Emotional Distress Can Lead to Physical Distress
The connection between emotional and physical health is well-documented in scientific literature. Research has shown that individuals with high anxiety levels are more likely to experience physical health challenges, such as chronic pain or gastrointestinal issues (Chalmers et al., 2014). This occurs because anxiety keeps the body in a heightened state of alertness, preventing the nervous system from resting and recovering. Over time, this can weaken the immune system, disrupt sleep patterns, and exacerbate existing health problems. Emotional distress also influences the perception of physical pain, making even minor discomfort feel overwhelming.
Why Addressing Anxiety Holistically Matters
Treating anxiety isn’t just about taking a prescription medication, or simply calming the mind; it’s about calming the entire body. A holistic approach is necessary because anxiety impacts every part of your being. Acupuncture, in particular, has been shown to regulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing cortisol levels and promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals (Amorim et al., 2018). This allows your body to shift out of its fight-or-flight state and into a place of balance and restoration. By addressing the root cause of anxiety, acupuncture can help break the cycle of emotional and physical distress.
Finding Relief with Acupuncture
If you’ve been living with anxiety, know that you’re not alone—and there’s hope. At Seyhart, we specialize in Acupuncture for Anxiety. Whether your anxiety manifests as restlessness, muscle tension, or racing thoughts, our treatments are designed to bring you back to a state of calm and balance. Our clients often report reduced pain, feeling lighter, clearer, and more at ease after just one treatment.
Published Evidence Supporting Acupuncture for Anxiety
Numerous studies support acupuncture as an effective intervention for anxiety. For example, a 2022 randomized controlled study in Complementary Therapy in Clinical Practice found acupuncture and electro-acupuncture as effective as medication for anxiety (Amorim et al., 2022). Another review in the Annals of General Psychiatry demonstrated that acupuncture reduced anxiety (Yang et al., 2021). Acupuncture can also improve heart rate variability—a key indicator of stress regulation. These findings align with what we see every day in our practice: clients feeling not only immediate relief, at times requiring fewer prescription medications, but also long-term improvement in their emotional and physical well-being.
Take Home Points
Your anxiety doesn’t define you - relief is possible. Whether you’re just starting to explore acupuncture or looking for a trusted partner in your wellness journey, Seyhart is here for you. Take the first step toward a calm - mind, body and spirit.