Acupuncture and
acupressure have been around for a very long time. (Both were developed in ancient China, c. 2,000 B.C. A long time, indeed.) Both practices involve stimulating trigger
points in precise locations on the body in order to corrent the flow of chi (a.k.a. vital energy) through the body and thereby remedy health complaints. Where acupuncture involves inserting needles at those points, acupressure involves applying touch to them.
Can acupuncture and acupressure help relieve panic and anxiety? I couldn't tell you. My experience with them, aimed at addressing foot pain, had uncertain results. But they're covered by many health insurance plans these days, and it's unlikely that insurers would agree to spend money on illegitimate treatments. So, yeah, I'd say it's likely they can help.
But don't listen to me. Studies point to the efficacy of acupuncture in relieving anxiety among
parents whose children are undergoing surgery and
dental patients , among others. From the first link in the previous sentence
A parent's anxiety leaps when their child is going into surgery. But a new study shows acupuncture needles -- carefully placed around the mother's ear -- can decrease her anxiety. When moms are less anxious, there's less anxiety in children, experts say.
Auricular or ear acupuncture has long been known to relieve stress and anxiety. Until now, however, it was not known that needles placed around the ear were so effective in relieving parental anxiety associated with a childs' surgery, a constant and very real concern for doctors.
Researcher Shu-Ming Wang, MD, at the Yale University School of Medicine. Wang presented study findings at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists being held in San Francisco this week.
Among the benefits of acupressure, of course, is that, unlike acupuncture, you can do it yourself.
Interested in giving it a try?
Here is a YouTube video showing acupressure points on the hands for anxiety, panic, and palpitations.
Here a practitioner discusses several acupressure points for anxiety, including the "Hall of Impression," the "Courtyard of the Spirit," and the "Lesser Palace."
May your chi flow freely and your anxiety and panic be nevermore!
Acupuncture and acupressure have been around for a very long time. (Both were developed in ancient China, c. 2,000 B.C. A long time, indeed.) Both practices involve stimulating trigger points in precise locations on the body in order to corrent the flow of chi (a.k.a. vital energy) through the body and thereby remedy health complaints. Where acupuncture involves inserting needles at those points, acupressure involves applying touch to them.
Can acupuncture and acupressure help relieve panic and anxiety? I couldn't tell you. My experience with them, aimed at addressing foot pain, had uncertain results. But they're covered by many health insurance plans these days, and it's unlikely that insurers would agree to spend money on illegitimate treatments. So, yeah, I'd say it's likely they can help.
But don't listen to me. Studies point to the efficacy of acupuncture in relieving anxiety among parents whose children are undergoing surgery and dental patients , among others. From the first link in the previous sentence Among the benefits of acupressure, of course, is that, unlike acupuncture, you can do it yourself.
Interested in giving it a try?
Here is a YouTube video showing acupressure points on the hands for anxiety, panic, and palpitations.
Here a practitioner discusses several acupressure points for anxiety, including the "Hall of Impression," the "Courtyard of the Spirit," and the "Lesser Palace."
May your chi flow freely and your anxiety and panic be nevermore!