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Acupuncture for Anxiety and Depression: What Traditional Chinese Medicine can offer
Acupuncture for anxiety and depression: discover what the evidence says, what Traditional Chinese Medicine may offer as a complementary approach and what to expect from a personalised session at Renia in Palma de Mallorca.
STRESS & EXHAUSTION
Salva Gianfreda
5 min read
Anxiety, persistent stress and low mood can affect many areas of life, including sleep, concentration, personal relationships and the ability to enjoy everyday activities.
Sometimes, even when everything appears to be going well on the outside, you may feel overwhelmed, restless or exhausted inside. You might struggle to switch off at the end of the day, sleep well or find time for yourself.
Anxiety and depression are different conditions, although they can share some symptoms and occur at the same time. Understanding what you are experiencing and finding appropriate support is an important first step.
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a complementary perspective that takes into account how you feel, your symptoms and your everyday habits. Acupuncture and other approaches within this traditional system may form part of personalised care, without replacing psychological or medical support when needed.
Understanding anxiety and low mood through Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses its own system of assessment to interpret symptoms and the individual characteristics of each person.
From this perspective, wellbeing is considered as a whole, taking into account factors such as sleep, energy, digestion, physical tension and emotional state.
In traditional Chinese theory, concepts such as Qi, Yin and Yang, and the systems associated with the Liver, Heart and Spleen form part of this interpretation. These are concepts within a traditional framework and do not directly correspond to biomedical organs, mechanisms or diagnoses.
This approach allows the treatment to be adapted to each individual, rather than assuming that everyone experiencing anxiety, sleep difficulties or tiredness needs the same thing.
It is important to remember that anxiety and depression can have multiple contributing factors. An assessment from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective does not replace a mental health diagnosis or establish the causes of these conditions on its own.
Can acupuncture help with anxiety and stress?
Acupuncture has been investigated as a possible complementary approach for certain situations involving stress, anxiety and emotional well-being.
However, the scientific evidence is not conclusive for all these applications. Studies have limitations, and findings vary depending on the condition being investigated, the research design and the treatment provided.
Some people describe feeling relaxed during or after a session. Others may notice little change or no significant difference.
Responses are individual, and a specific outcome cannot be guaranteed.
At Renia, acupuncture is used within a personalised Traditional Chinese Medicine approach. The aim is to understand your situation, consider which approaches may be appropriate and adapt treatment to your needs.
Acupuncture does not replace psychotherapy, prescribed medication or care from a mental health professional.
What happens during an acupuncture session?
A session begins with a conversation to understand your situation, the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect your everyday life.
During the 90-minute first session, an assessment is also carried out from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective. This may include discussion of sleep, energy, digestion, medical history and other factors relevant to understanding your situation.
When appropriate, the session may include acupuncture using fine needles at selected points based on the assessment.
The experience varies from person to person. Some people find the session relaxing, while others may notice mild sensations when the needles are inserted.
You do not need to know in advance which treatment you need. The first session provides an opportunity to understand your situation and discuss the available options.
What role can Chinese herbal medicine play?
Chinese herbal medicine is another traditional approach within Traditional Chinese Medicine. It uses plant-based and other naturally derived substances selected according to an individual assessment.
There is no universal formula for anxiety, stress or depression within this system. Traditional preparations are selected according to the pattern identified by the practitioner, but this does not mean that a particular formula has been proven to treat a mental health condition.
Herbal preparations can also cause side effects and interact with medication. Natural origin does not guarantee that a product is safe for everyone.
If you take antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication or other prescribed medicines, tell your practitioner before considering any herbal preparation and consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions. Do not stop or change prescribed medication on your own.
Chinese herbal medicine should be considered on an individual basis and should not replace indicated mental health treatment.
The importance of rest and everyday habits
Rest, physical activity, nutrition and personal relationships can influence how you feel and your ability to cope with periods of stress.
There is no single routine that works for everyone, but some simple habits may help support your everyday well-being.
Create small moments of pause
It is not always possible to change the circumstances causing stress. However, you can try to set aside short periods when you do not need to answer messages, solve problems or attend to other responsibilities.
A quiet walk, a few minutes without screens or an activity you enjoy can help introduce pauses into demanding days.
Maintain a regular sleep routine
Keeping relatively consistent sleep times and reducing stimulating activities before bed may help support a better nighttime routine.
If you experience persistent sleep difficulties, it is important to discuss the possible causes with a healthcare professional.
Take care of your nutrition
A varied and sufficient diet contributes to overall wellbeing. Try to maintain some regularity in your meals and notice how your habits affect your energy throughout the day.
No specific food cures anxiety or depression, and you do not need to follow a special diet to take care of yourself.
Find physical activity that suits you
Walking, swimming, yoga or other activities you enjoy can help you maintain an active routine.
You do not need to exercise intensely. The important thing is to find an activity that suits your circumstances and abilities.
Do not face everything alone
Talking to someone you trust and seeking professional support when you need it can be important. Asking for help does not mean you are unable to manage your responsibilities; it means you are paying attention to what you need.
When is it important to seek professional help?
Occasional anxiety can be part of the normal human response to demanding situations. However, when symptoms are persistent, intense or interfere with everyday life, it is advisable to seek professional assessment.
Speak to a doctor or mental health professional if you experience:
Persistent worry that is difficult to control
Episodes of anxiety that interfere with everyday activities
Ongoing sleep difficulties
Persistent sadness or loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed
Significant changes in appetite, energy or concentration
Symptoms affecting your relationships, work or ability to manage everyday tasks
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or do not feel safe, seek urgent help. In Spain, you can call 112 in an emergency.
Psychological and medical care can be essential in understanding what is happening and determining appropriate treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine may be considered as a complementary approach when appropriate and compatible with your healthcare.
A personalised approach at Renia
Not everyone experiences stress, anxiety or low mood in the same way.
At Renia, we begin by understanding your situation, your symptoms, your background and how you feel in everyday life.
An assessment from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective allows us to consider different approaches according to your individual needs. Depending on your circumstances, treatment may include acupuncture, auriculotherapy, moxibustion, cupping, Gua Sha, Chinese herbal medicine or nutritional guidance.
Not everyone needs all these approaches. The choice depends on the assessment, your circumstances and what is appropriate for you.
The aim is to provide individualised care in a setting where you can explain how you feel and explore complementary options suited to your situation.
Start with a first session
If you are looking for a complementary approach to support your wellbeing, you can begin with a 90-minute first session.
During the session, we will discuss your situation, carry out an assessment from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and explore the options that may be appropriate for you.
Notice
Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion, auriculotherapy, cupping and nutritional guidance) is offered at Renia as complementary therapy, in accordance with Decree 55/2010 of the Government of the Balearic Islands and applicable Spanish legislation. These therapies do not replace diagnosis, treatment, prescription or follow-up by a qualified healthcare professional. The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute a diagnosis or an individual treatment recommendation vary.
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"Renia offers traditional Chinese medicine as a complementary therapy. It does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor for any health concern."