In Texas, there are 3.3 million adults who live with a mental health condition. In Harris County, where Houston is located, 12.3% of adults have 14 or more days of poor mental health.
Mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, often lead to disability and increased financial cost. Houston cannot keep up with the demand for mental health care providers.
In fact, in Texas, 12 million people live in mental health professional shortage areas (HPSAs).
There may be a shortage of mental health providers in Houston; however, holistic wellness centers are an excellent alternative to help people manage some mental health issues.
There are centers that do acupuncture in Houston and they can provide a safe and cost-effective way to ease anxiety and depression.
Research Backs Acupuncture Benefits
A statement from The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) showed that acupuncture showed promising evidence to treat anxiety disorders.
One breakthrough study reported that acupuncture lowered the depression scale from 16 to 9. The positive benefits lasted for three months after the sessions.
Acupuncture for Anxiety
According to traditional Chinese medicine, anxiety relates to an imbalance of the kidney and the heart. According to the five elements that interact with the body organs, fire represents the heart and joy.
If there is too much heat in the heart, there is an imbalance in its interaction with the kidneys. Water and fear represent the kidney, and if it fails to contain the fire organ, it will rise to the mind and lead to anxiety.
Acupuncture, which focuses on the kidney, heart, ear, and spleen can be used to treat anxiety. In the latest edition of CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics, a comprehensive literature review proved that acupuncture is at par with cognitive-behavioral therapy or (CBT). Psychologists commonly use CBT to treat anxiety.
Several patients who had anxiety-induced rashes showed significant improvement after just two acupuncture treatments.
It has also reduced episodes of anxiety and stress. An ideal treatment program will entail a protocol of initial sessions for eight days. Once there is a significant improvement, maintenance sessions can take place.
Acupuncture for Depression
According to traditional Chinese beliefs, depression is a manifestation of a problem with the qi or energy flow circulating in the body. The liver, spleen, and heart are the main organs circulating the qi.
The Four Gates is the most known acupuncture treatment that is used to increase the flow of qi by stimulating the source points found on both hands and feet.
Source points are between the index finger and the thumbs, and between the big toe and the second toe.
There is Hope for Anxiety and Depression with Acupuncture
Depression and anxiety are conditions that are challenging to treat. Antidepressants, psychotherapy, and anxiolytics may have shown evidence-based effectiveness.
However, studies show that the relapse rate is close to 50%. It is due to the side-effects and high cost of medications.
Most patients now choose complementary and alternative medicine to manage anxiety, depression, and other debilitating symptoms.
These include sessions in acupuncture centers. Acupuncture is a safe method that has no proven adverse side effects.
The city of Houston may be having challenges in providing ample mental health services to its citizens. Fortunately, there are many services that carry out acupuncture in Houston to provide an alternative method that can bring hope to this growing city.
Ellen Hollington is a freelance writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting and blogging services. She works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.