It is at the midpoint (the center) between your eyebrows (see Figure 1). Doing acupressure on this point can help with stress and anxiety.
Yin Tang, which is above the nose at the exact midpoint between the two eyebrows, can help relieve general anxiety. Acupressure practitioners also say that it can help with anxiety-related symptoms such as: insomnia. restlessness and irritability.
Governing Vessel 20 (Du-20) “Hundred Meetings”
Pressing on this point can both raise the yang to lift depression and sadness, and, it can ground energy to ease anxiety and overthinking. Du-20 clears the mind to help you feel focused and present.
They need to be inserted into acupoints—very specific locations based on your physical or mental symptoms. Points for anxiety may include your breastbone, ears, between your eyebrows, or the insides of your wrists. According to Chinese medicine, energy, or "qi," flows up and down pathways in the body.
"Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural feel-good hormones and reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol," says Mathew Kulas, MA, RAc, an acupuncturist at Henry Ford Health. Studies show that acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety, with fewer side effects than medications.
There may be no simple panic attack cure, but with acupuncture treatment and herbs, good nutrition, exercise, and positive affirmation, it is certainly possible to reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks.
How soon you see results from acupuncture will depend on your anxiety symptoms and their causes. Short-term anxiety, like what you may experience before medical procedures, can respond immediately to acupuncture treatment. Other forms of anxiety may take several sessions before you notice results.
We generally recommend acupuncture visits one to two times a week for anxiety issues and the duration of treatment depends on how chronic the anxiety is, lifestyle factors, and whether you can reduce exposure to stressors that may be contributing to your stress and anxiety.
Change the channel in your brain by changing your activity. Exercise, engage in conversation on a completely different subject, or work on a project that distracts you. Doing something different will put an end to the barrage of negative thoughts. Related: What's the Matter With Overthinking?
Some ways to manage anxiety disorders include learning about anxiety, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, correct breathing techniques, dietary adjustments, exercise, learning to be assertive, building self-esteem, cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, structured problem solving, medication and support groups.
Stress and traumatic events are a big cause of nervous system dysregulation. Acupuncture can modulate the activity of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and help restore the balance between the two.
Avoid Strenuous Exercise
You may feel a boost of energy after your acupuncture treatment – this is one of its many benefits. However, be careful not to partake in strenuous activities after your treatment. If you perform intense exercises or heavy lifting, you may undo some of the benefits of treatment.
A popular remedy is Banxia houpu decoction, which contains pinellia tuber, magnolia bark, hoelen, perilla herb, and ginger rhizome. Most traditional Chinese medicine practitioners recommend using herbs for severe anxiety or anxiety disorders while under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider.
After an acupuncture session, you may feel a sense of growing tranquility and peace. This peaceful sensation may continue the rest of the day or week, leading to deep, restful sleep. Allow yourself to rest—your body will recover better when you spend more time in a deep sleep state.
Also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. It can be an effective treatment for anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders.
Recent research suggests that acupuncture stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone and signaling substance that regulates the parasympathetic nervous system. It is also sends a signal through the nervous system to the brain, where chemicals such as endorphins, norepinephrine and enkephalin are released.
It does, however, take the edge off. Acupuncture evens out our moods so that we are less affected by and better equipped to manage the stressful aspects of our lives. The stress won't disappear, but if you find yourself feeling less bogged down by it, acupuncture is working for you.