How Acupuncture Improves Your Mood
We all have good days and bad days. That’s life. But sometimes, the bad days take over and you realise you’ve been feeling sad, angry or depressed for a while.
If your mood is low for more than two weeks you may be experiencing depression, anxiety or an energy imbalance that needs to be restored.
As awareness around mental health grows, we also get better at sharing helpful ways of managing it. You can increase your exercise to get a boost of those happy endorphins, spend time with friends to feel a sense of connection, or make a commitment to regular therapy to develop better coping mechanisms for dealing with life.
Did you know you can also see your local acupuncturist? There’s evidence supporting acupuncture as a way of reducing the symptoms of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. More people are visiting their acupuncturist to help them regulate their moods.
Acupuncture and Mood
What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese tradition and medical practice that treats energy flow within the body. The quality of the Qi affects your body’s functioning.
The vital energy “Qi” flows between organs in the body via meridians. Acupuncture works to bring back balance by clearing blockages in the flow by accessing meridians with acupuncture needles.
How does acupuncture improve your mood?
Much like chiropractic, acupuncture works to restore the connection between mind and body through the vital energy Qi. If your body is imbalanced your mood is affected too. When it comes to mood, acupuncture:
Releases neuropeptides
Studies have found acupuncture releases neuropeptides into the nervous system. Neuropeptides are proteins produced by neurons in the brain, which play a role in affecting neurobiological responses, including mood regulation.
Effects neurotransmitters
Acupuncture has shown to increase serotonin and noradrenalin, both neurotransmitters that give you feelings of wellbeing.
Improves blood flow
People who are depressed often have impaired cerebral (brain) blood flow. Acupuncture improves blood flow to vital organs like your brain, which reduces your blood pressure. This has a positive effect on your brain’s functioning.
Reduces cortisol
One study shows how acupuncture reduces the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Although some cortisol is required to deal with stress, too much can produce mood swings, anxiety and depression.
Balances nervous system
Acupuncture is known to reduce anxiety and stress by decreasing sympathetic activity and increasing parasympathetic activity – functions of the nervous system. This process is associated with emotional regulation.
What to expect at your first session?
Thinking about booking your first session? It can be a bit daunting but rest assured you’re in safe hands.
At your first session, your acupuncturist will ask you a few questions about your health. They will then inspect your tongue and feel your pulse to reveal disharmonies. You will discuss a treatment plan going forward.
Your acupuncturist will then ask you to lie on a massage-like table. Very fine single-use, sterile needles are gently inserted into the skin – don’t worry, it doesn't hurt. The needles are kept in the skin for a period of time then carefully removed.
Want to try acupuncture to improve your mood?