There have been a few interesting stories this week that although not directly related, have implications of the treatment of anxiety . Firstly the BBC reported on an interesting study on the benefits of acupuncture. The study was not aimed at acupuncture used to treat anxiety but more at preventing headaches and migraines. There is something of a link here as many people believe migraines are stress related. The study was basically a meta-analysis of thirty-three other studies and found interestingly that acupuncture worked. More interestingly still they found that so-called sham acupuncture worked just as well, that is to say that it doesn’t seem to matter whether you stick the needles in the centuries old Chinese positions, or just do it randomly. This suggests one of two things. Either the whole phenomenon is just the placebo effect and there is really no therapeutic benefit, or there is something about stimulating parts of the body which does actually promote health.
There have been some studies, albeit not enough to draw firm conclusions, that say that meridian tapping therapies such as EFT and TFT work for the treatment of anxiety, phobias and depression. It seems to me that the principle behind this success (if indeed it is real) is likely to be similar to the acupuncture. Indeed it has been said in at least one study that tapping the body randomly works as well as tapping the points listed in the algorithms specified by the therapy founders.
Whether this is a case of the placebo effect or not doesn’t really matter. What matters is there being sufficient efficacy in the treatment for people to have some kind of faith in it, for the treatment to be safe, and for it to produce long lasting results. Many acupuncturists advertise the treatment of anxiety and stress but I am skeptical given the lack of specific evidence. That said, most of us have met someone who swears by acupuncture. There is nothing wrong of course with the placebo effect! If it works for you then great!
This is a refreshing post about the connection of Acupuncture and anxiety.
i am always astonished how Acupunture helps in dealing with my migraine. it works wonders on other diseases like anxiety and allergy.
Acupuncture works so good and will even work better for many.
Acupuncture does work. it helps me deal with my allergies and also i use acupunture for relaxation.
Acupuncture is really a good alternative medicine technique for common ailments such as allergies, minor headaches and pains. I have been practicing acupuncture for 4 years now.