Acupuncture for Anxiety - The Earth and the Spleen

It's late summer. In terms of Chinese Medicine and Five Element acupuncture, anxiety can be explained through certain imbalances in the body correlating with certain patterns. In Chinese medicine this is the prominent organ association is Spleen, the element is Earth, and the season associated is late summer because it's the time of harvest. In an ideal world we want to be grounded with our feet firmly planted on the earth. This gives us sense of security. A variety of symptoms can occur when someone has an imbalance in the Spleen or Earth element. 

Worry, overthinking, and great concern can signal an imbalance in Spleen and Earth. Obsessing about a situation, not being able to let go, and a loss of control can produce feelings of anxiety. If the anxiety persists panic attacks may occur making it difficult to function in daily life. Let's say a person is thinking of a work situation that's stressful. They may build up the situation in their mind while getting ready for work, creating feelings of worry about the day and what's to come during the day. Getting out the door is then difficult and taking those steps to get to work can be stifled. Thoughts turn over and over, producing anxious feelings and maybe panic. It can become a never ending circle of worry and self doubt. This can create poor performance at work and more stress than a situation calls for. The person may have problems with attendance or lateness because of these anxious feelings. 

Millions suffer from anxiety and lots of medication is prescribed to control it. By there is an alternative - acupuncture. Focus on what the patient describes is key and the most important tool in putting together a treatment plan, often focusing on the Spleen imbalance signs and symptoms. While other elements can come into play, Spleen imbalance can be the root of the overthinking and excessive worry. Acupuncture points in the Spleen channel on the legs and feet are often used, as well as the wrist and chest relating to elements that interact with Spleen. Ear acupuncture also has many benefits. Acupuncture itself activates the parasympathetic nervous system, inducing relaxation and rest. Some people are nervous at the thought of receiving acupuncture and being "stuck with needles." But if they try it willingly just the opposite will occur, relieving the symptoms and restoring balance.

Something else anyone with anxiety should consider is learning and practicing meditation. Focusing on breathing and letting the obsessive thoughts just be thoughts that pass can relieve anxiety. Focus is the key word. Sometimes a moving meditation like yoga, qigong or tai chi works better as the movement gives a person to focus on. 

Giving acupuncture a chance and adding these other practices can be the best alternative to taking medications. Be well!