Mental Health

Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to treating illnesses because it believes the body and mind work as one.  If there is an imbalance in a person’s mental health, it can lead to a physiological effect on the body, and vice versa. Mental illnesses can manifest in a variety of physical changes such as: fatigue, headaches, obesity/weight loss, chronic pain, nausea, sinus problems, adrenaline/panic, changes in skin, and sweating just to name a few.  When a patient is treated as a whole person, balance and healing are experienced on many levels.

Often, people struggling with mental health conditions are taking prescription drugs to alleviate their symptoms.  Yet despite this, they still suffer in varying degrees and may additionally be experiencing new symptoms because of side effects from medications.  Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine provide a drug-free way to achieve and maintain mental health without side effects.

During your journey to find health again, you’ll be provided with guidance for healthy diet and lifestyle modifications that are rooted in Chinese Medicine, which will assist in the healing process.

The following are just a few of the treatable diseases, symptoms, and conditions:

  • Addictions (Alcohol, Cutting, Drugs, Food, Nail Biting, Smoking)
  • ADHD/focus
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Depression
  • Eating Disorders
  • Excessive emotions
  • Insomnia
  • Schizophrenia
  • Stress

Stress can be the underlying factor to almost any mental, emotional and physical imbalance. Stress can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as an increase in alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, insomnia and unhealthy foods. Those choices can lead to an imbalance in the energetics of the organ systems and therefore a decline in health and well-being.

Another significant factor in our modern world that in contributing to an overall increase in stress is technology.  Although technology has arguably improved the ease of our life, it also leads us to do more.  The use of computers and mobile devices is impacting our ability to relax and sleep.  For some, it has created unhealthy relationships and even additions to social media, video games, tracking and other apps.

Here are a few suggestions to help reduced stress created by technology:

  • Schedule “time-outs” with your mobile device.
  • Plan a daily timeframe to respond to emails or social media.
  • Set up “technology free” zones in your house such as a bedroom or dining area.
  • Hold mobile device at eye level to reduce strain on neck, shoulders and back.
  • Use blue-light blocking glasses, especially after dark to reduce exposure to blue light waves before bedtime.
  • Turn off all technology (including the television) at least 1 hour prior to bedtime.
  • Perform neck, shoulder and back stretches after sitting at a computer or holding a mobile device for more than 50-60 minutes.  Short frequent breaks are best.

We encourage you to create a “Health and Wellness Tool Box” of methods and modalities that suit you personally and will assist you in stress relief.  Below are a few ideas that can used to start your Tool Box.

  • Acupuncture
  • App for guided meditation, sleep and relaxation
  • Counseling/therapy
  • Daily positive affirmations
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Exercise
  • Five Flowers Rescue Remedy spray
  • Foot soak
  • Hot bath
  • Journaling
  • Martial Arts
  • Massage
  • Meditation
  • Music
  • Naps
  • Pets
  • Reiki
  • Salt cave
  • Sensory deprivation (Floats)
  • Vacations and weekend get-a-ways
  • Yoga

*These are general categories of common health complaints.  Acupuncture can be used to help relieve symptoms of most conditions.  Acupuncture can be used in place of or in conjunction with Western medicinal treatments, depending on the condition.