Solutions for Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are common experiences in our reality today. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is a feeling characterized by tension, worried thoughts and physical feelings in one's body. Anxiety can become problematic when intrusive thoughts and sensations of dizziness, sweating or heart palpitations make it difficult to get through one's day. Understanding anxiety and extreme stress and how we can deal with them is important for our mental well-being.
Understanding Acute Stress and Anxiety
Acute stress is a short-term reaction to an immediate threat, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. Anxiety, on the other hand, is a sustained mental health disorder characterized by excessive worry and fear. While stress can be a motivator, persistent anxiety can be debilitating.
The Root Causes
Anxiety arises from a complex mix of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. A significant association exists between anxiety disorders and past trauma. Traumatic events can leave a lasting impact on the brain, leading to heightened stress responses.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms of acute stress and anxiety can be both psychological and physical. Psychological symptoms include persistent worry, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Physical signs might include increased heart rate, dizziness, and headaches. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step in seeking help.
Evidence for Acupuncture in Anxiety Treatment
In a recently published meta-analysis in the journal Medicine, acupuncture was found to be effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, with fewer side-effects when compared to control patients who received medications. An earlier meta-analysis in Annals of General Psychiatry, found similar findings of the effectiveness of acupuncture for reducing anxiety in those with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder.
Although many people may not meet the formal criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, like any condition, anxiety symptoms fall along a spectrum. Taking action with evidence-based techniques like acupuncture may benefit those who are seeking preventive and proactive ways to improve their emotional and mental health.
Ear Seeding and Anxiety
Acupressure through the application of adhesive ear seeds helps to stimulate the Vagus nerve, and encourage responses in the parasympathetic nervous system. Unlike the sympathetic nervous system which is associated with fight and flight responses, the parasympathetic nervous system encourages feelings of calm, grounding and focus. The ear seeds stay in place for 3-5 days and can also prolong the effect of an acupuncture treatment in addition to promoting calm.
Comprehensive Treatment Approaches
Besides acupuncture, other treatments for acute stress and anxiety include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes can greatly impact anxiety levels. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness practices like meditation can complement treatments like acupuncture in managing anxiety.The benefits of adopting a holistic approach to treating anxiety disorder may offer better results than a single treatment modality.
The Road Ahead
Understanding and managing acute stress and anxiety is a journey. With the right combination of treatments like acupuncture and lifestyle changes, individuals can hope to regain control and improve their quality of life.