Acupuncture for Stress, Anxiety, and Trauma
Honest question: do you know when you’re stressed or anxious? Do you know what it calm truly feels like in your body?
Chronic stress and anxiety can be such constant companions that we don’t always notice they’re present. It’s easy to become used to something that never goes away. These feelings can be driven by our daily lives, by past or present trauma, or both.
These days, the majority of people who walk through my door are experiencing some form of ongoing stress or emotional difficulty. It’s a hard world we live in, and many of us don’t get the time or resources we need to nourish our mental health.
This can be especially true if you’re someone who’s experienced any form of trauma. (Trauma can be big or little. It can be something you experienced once or over a long period of time. Anything that overwhelms your nervous system can leave a mark.)
Our nervous systems are always scanning for threats. If your body perceives threat on a regular basis, or doesn’t understand that a previous threat is over, your stress hormones may be frequently elevated. This can make you feel rotten, physically and emotionally.
You might be able to recognize that you’re worried, anxious, or depressed. Other times, emotions find a home in your body. Maybe you feel mentally calm, but you can’t sleep, your cycle is off, your digestion is funky, or your neck and back always hurt.
In Chinese medicine, mind and body are not seen as separate. So any time chronic physical symptoms are present, it’s worth checking to see if there’s an emotional component.
If you’re struggling, I’m sorry for those hard things. I can also offer help. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work to gently regulate your nervous system so your body and mind can cope with whatever is present. You can experience greater emotional resilience, more calm and happiness, and more mental and physical vitality.
Many stress and trauma related issues can be effectively treated by Songbird’s safe, gentle blend of acupuncture and other holistic therapies, including:
Anxiety
Chronic stress
Depression
Hypervigilance
Insomnia
“Tired but wired” feeling
Panic attacks
Perimenopause mood swings
PTSD
Stress-related digestive issues
Stress-related pain
Sympathetic nervous system activation
Constant worry
Acupuncture for Stress, Anxiety, and Trauma FAQ
Q: How long does it take to help? Many people experience improvement in symptoms after their very first treatment, as well as a sense of relaxation and well-being. Sometimes, especially with anxiety, it can take longer than that. I generally want to see some improvement within a month of weekly treatments.
Q: I’m taking anxiety or depression medications. Is that a problem? Not at all. It’s safe to take most herbal medicine and pharmaceutical medicine together. However, your comfort level is my main concern, and if you choose not to take herbs or supplements I’ll respect your wishes. Also please note that I will never ask you to discontinue any medications your doctor has prescribed.
Q: Will you ask me to share lots of personal details? There’s always time for you to share your story and your feelings, and I consider holding that space part of your treatment. However, I’m not a therapist, and acupuncture isn’t a substitute for therapy. It can be helpful for me to know your story, but you can share as much or as little as you’d like (and you can share over time, as we get to know each other).
Q: Does acupuncture hurt? The idea of needles makes me more anxious. I understand! I’ll take the time to explain what I’m doing and make sure you feel okay with it. My acupuncture approach is gentle and pain-free, and my treatment space is comfortable, quiet, and relaxing. Many people fall asleep during treatment and wake refreshed and relaxed.