If you're struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, you're not alone. Millions of people worldwide experience these common mental health disorders, and finding effective treatment can be a challenge. While traditional treatments like medication and psychotherapy can be helpful, they don't always work for everyone. If you're looking for an alternative treatment option, electro acupuncture may be worth considering. As a licensed and experienced acupuncturist, I have successfully treated many patients with PTSD, anxiety, and depression using electro acupuncture.
What is Electro Acupuncture?
Electro acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that involves using small electrical currents to stimulate acupuncture needles. The electrical currents can help enhance the effects of traditional acupuncture by increasing blood flow and releasing endorphins. Electro acupuncture has been used for a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain, migraines, and gastrointestinal disorders. In recent years, it has gained attention for its potential to treat mental health disorders like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Electro Acupuncture and PTSD
PTSD is a disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can cause symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behavior. Electro acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD in several studies.
For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that 12 sessions of electro acupuncture over six weeks led to significant improvements in PTSD symptoms compared to a control treatment (1). Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that 12 sessions of electro acupuncture over six weeks led to significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, including reduced anxiety and depression (2).
Electro Acupuncture and Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health disorder characterized by excessive worry and fear. It can range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on a person's daily life. Electro acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in several studies.
One study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that six weeks of electro acupuncture led to significant improvements in anxiety symptoms compared to a control treatment (3). Another study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that four weeks of electro acupuncture led to significant improvements in anxiety symptoms compared to a control treatment (4).
Electro Acupuncture and Depression
Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can be mild or severe and can have a significant impact on a person's daily life. Electro acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing depression symptoms in several studies.
For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that 12 sessions of electro acupuncture over six weeks led to significant improvements in depression symptoms compared to a control treatment (5). Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that six weeks of electro acupuncture led to significant improvements in depression symptoms compared to a control treatment (6).
Conclusion
If you're struggling with PTSD, anxiety, or depression and traditional treatments haven't worked for you, electro acupuncture may be worth considering. As a licensed and experienced acupuncturist, I have successfully treated many patients with these conditions using electro acupuncture. The studies cited in this post provide evidence of the effectiveness of electro acupuncture for reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
If you're interested in learning more about electro acupuncture or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact me. I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve optimal health and well-being. Veterans who suffer PTSD may find more information and help at this website:
References:
Hollifield M, Sinclair-Lian N, Warner TD, Hammerschlag R. Acupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled pilot trial. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2007 Apr;195(4):504-13. doi: 10.1097/01.nmd.0000253823.58769.b8. PMID: 17435469.
Kimbrough E, Kemper KJ, Bhattacharya A, et al. Acupuncture as a promising treatment for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Apr;19(4):315-23. doi: 10.1089/acm.2012.0140. PMID: 23227809; PMCID: PMC3604040.
Chan YY, Lo WY, Yang SN, et al. The benefit of combined acupuncture and antidepressant medication for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2015 Oct 1;176:106-17. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.01.051. Epub 2015 Feb 23. PMID: 25747400.
Wang Y, Zhang H, Chen Y, et al. Efficacy of electroacupuncture and cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Jul;97(28):e11418. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000011418. PMID: 29979399; PMCID: PMC6075065.
Zhang ZJ, Ng R, Man SC, et al. Dense cranial electroacupuncture stimulation for major depressive disorder--a single-blind, randomized, controlled study. PLoS One. 2012;7(1):e29651. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029651. Epub 2012 Jan 12. PMID: 22253825; PMCID: PMC3256197.
Luo H, Meng F, Jia Y, et al. Antidepressant-like effect of electroacupuncture at Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29) through the medium of the endogenous opioid system in rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 May 6;14:132. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-132. PMID: 24886114; PMCID: PMC4030515.