Acupuncture taking the pressure off today’s emotional stresses

A new survey reveals that the tolls of the 21st century are affecting younger people with under-40s seeking traditional acupuncture treatment for emotional issues such as depression, stress and anxiety. Fifty seven per cent of those citing emotional issues are under 40 - a third of whom are men.

With people working longer hours and dealing with the economic and social pressures of today, many are finding it hard to cope. The BAcC research revealed that the top three emotional issues for which acupuncture treatment is sought are depression (18%), anxiety (13%) and insomnia (10%) with stress following closely behind.

At least one person in every six becomes depressed in the course of their lives. One in 20 is clinically depressed. Complementary medicines are playing a bigger part in the way patients tackle mental health issues.

Gisela Norman, British Acupuncture Council member and traditional acupuncture practitioner said: “Depression is actually one of the most common health issues we are approached about. An acupuncture session completely focuses on the patient and hears what they experience. It involves one-to-one time in order to understand them as an individual with their treatment plan specifically tailor made. This, in combination with the needling to lift mood and give much needed relief, can be very powerful.”

Conducted across the whole of the UK, the survey reported that depression features in the top five health problems amongst acupuncture patients alongside back pain, fertility, headaches and skin problems.

To find a qualified acupuncturist, contact the British Acupuncture Council on 020 8735 0400 or visit www.acupuncture.org.uk

What is traditional acupuncture?
Traditional acupuncture is an Oriental therapy that aims to improve the overall wellbeing of the patient, rather than treating specific symptoms in isolation. Traditional Chinese philosophy states that our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy - known as Qi - moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin.

For any number of reasons the flow of Qi can be disturbed leading to ill-health. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy or Qi, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own healing response and help restore its natural balance.

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