Does Acupuncture Work for Anxiety & Depression?

Finding Balance in Challenging Times: How Alpert Acupuncture Can Help Ease Anxiety and Depression

In today’s world, the pressures of work, family, and even unexpected global events can feel overwhelming. The Alpert Acupuncture Clinic, led by Zev Alpert, a member of the Israeli Association for Chinese Medicine (IACM), provides a unique approach to dealing with anxiety and depression using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices, including acupuncture. Zev, with years of experience, has seen firsthand the toll of recent traumas on mental health, with physical symptoms like chronic back pain, insomnia, and heightened anxiety becoming more common. He’s passionate about helping individuals find relief and restore balance.

Understanding Qi and Mental Well-Being

According to TCM, qi is the vital energy that circulates throughout the body. It’s believed that imbalances in qi, especially a deficiency, can contribute to emotional struggles. TCM practitioners often attribute a qi deficiency to the spleen, which is thought to be responsible for transporting and distributing this energy throughout the body. When the spleen’s energy is low, a person may feel exhausted, anxious, or out of sync, contributing to a cycle of stress and fatigue.

While modern science doesn’t substantiate the concept of qi in a measurable way, many individuals resonate with these ideas as a framework for understanding how lifestyle impacts health holistically. At the Alpert Acupuncture Clinic, treatments aim to balance qi and support physical and mental health with a personalized approach.

How Acupuncture Can Help with Anxiety and Depression

Acupuncture for mental health works by targeting specific points on the body to restore balance to the nervous system. Licensed acupuncturists, like Zev, use this ancient technique to bring the nervous system into a state of calm, easing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research suggests acupuncture may also help activate regions in the brain associated with relaxation and emotional regulation. In addition to needle treatments, TCM practitioners may recommend lifestyle changes to enhance the effects, such as adjustments in sleep, diet, and stress management.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Tips for Qi Balance

In TCM, diet and rest play critical roles in sustaining a balanced qi. Here are some dietary and lifestyle recommendations for supporting qi and mental health:

  1. Foods to Nourish Spleen Qi: Incorporate foods that TCM practitioners associate with strengthening qi, including lentils, root vegetables (like sweet potato and pumpkin), and grains like quinoa and oats. Adaptogenic herbs, such as ginseng, can also help boost energy levels but should be used under guidance.
  2. Improving Sleep: Chronic stress can interfere with sleep, which further drains qi. Zev encourages patients to prioritize sleep and relaxation, suggesting a consistent sleep schedule and calming evening routines to support restful sleep.
  3. Reducing Stressful Foods: Refined sugars, processed foods, and cold drinks are said to impact spleen qi negatively. Instead, try warming foods and moderate portions to support digestion and energy flow.

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session

If you’re new to acupuncture, here’s what a session might look like. At Alpert Acupuncture, Zev will take time to understand your health history and specific concerns. He will carefully place ultra-fine needles in targeted areas to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Common points for anxiety include areas on the wrists, feet, and between the eyebrows. Many people find these sessions relaxing, with effects lasting long after the needles are removed.

A Holistic Path to Emotional Wellness

Chinese Medicine views mental health as a part of the body’s overall balance. By addressing both physical and mental symptoms in a unified way, acupuncture provides an alternative for those seeking relief from anxiety and depression. Whether it’s by improving sleep, balancing energy, or incorporating dietary recommendations, the team at Alpert Acupuncture Clinic is committed to helping clients achieve a sense of inner peace and resilience.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or simply feeling “burned out,” consider exploring the benefits of acupuncture. Zev Alpert and the team at Alpert Acupuncture are here to provide compassionate care and personalized treatments.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at:

  • Phone: 055 500 5265
  • Email: drzev@alpertacupuncture.com
  • Location: Tamar St 32, Zikhron Ya’akov

Rediscover a sense of calm and balance. Let the healing practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine support your journey to wellness.

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