Anxiety & Depressive Moods

Given the stresses of modern life, it is normal to experience occasional anxiety and depressive moods. However, people who suffer from persistent thoughts of worry and/or feelings of despair can find themselves overwhelmed by daily tasks and often unable to cope.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is used clinically for the treatment of anxiety as well as related conditions, such as panic and post traumatic stress disorders. Acupuncture elicits a relaxation response, resulting in decreased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, stress reduction, and increased energy. Moreover, the calming and tranquilizing effects of Acupuncture treatment are highly beneficial to people in states of duress. When emotions are left unresolved over long periods of time, or when they result from a particularly stressful or traumatic event, they can become causes of illness. Emotions can also result from an imbalanced flow of energy. Thus, emotions can be the cause or the symptom of a disorder. Acupuncture restores the healthy flow of energy, providing balance to the body and mind.

Massage Therapy: The relaxing effects of receiving regular massage far exceed mere pleasure, and can aid individuals in coping with and managing anxiety and depression. Research has repeatedly shown significant decreases in levels of anxiety and depression in individuals receiving regular massage. In these studies, decreased levels of anxiety and depression persisted for weeks following the massage sessions. Additionally, a study conducted by the Touch Research Institute showed that levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with the stress response, decreased following massage. By providing a space to relax, let go of the day's worries, and reconnect with breath and body, massage can help you return to a grounded state when anxiety arises. In doing so, massage helps to counteract the damaging physiological effects of stress, anxiety, and depression on the body and, most importantly, helps prevent these states from occurring.

Naturopathy: People who suffer from anxiety and/or depressive moods need to support the nutritional biochemistry of the body by following some important dietary guidelines. The correlation between food and mood has been clearly established by experts in the field. Food allergies and sensitivities may exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depressive moods. Nutritional supplementation and herbs may be necessary to further support the nervous system and the whole body. Additionally, homeopathic and Bach flower remedies are prescribed according to the individual, the cause, and the nature of the mind-body imbalance. Lifestyle counseling and implementation of relaxation techniques can also be beneficial for working through anxiety and/or depression.

Self Care Techniques:Like most health concerns, anxiety and depressive moods reflect an imbalance in the body’s systems. Hence, it becomes essential to bring awareness to one’s whole body by evaluating dietary patterns, genetic predispositions, sleep habits, posture, stress levels and other lifestyle components, such as physical activity and overall sense of wellbeing.

Your body is a unique entity, thus your treatment should be tailored specifically to your needs. You should always seek the advice of your health care practitioner to guide you along the path of optimal wellness.

We recommend making exercise a core component of your life, as it raises the levels of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain, releases muscle tension, improves sleep, and reduces levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, contributing to a calming effect. These changes can improve symptoms of sadness, anxiety, irritability, stress, fatigue, anger and hopelessness.