Everyone occasionally feels anxious, but for some, anxiety becomes a constant problem that makes them change their daily life in order to avoid the things that trigger their feelings of dread and fear. Rebecca Baker, LAc, at Acupuncture Associates of Castle Rock has extensive experience using traditional Chinese therapies such as acupuncture and tui na to help you regain balance and overcome anxiety. To learn more about how you can benefit from acupuncture, call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado, or schedule an appointment online.
Anxiety Q & A
When should I get help for anxiety?
Anxiety serves an important role, energizing your body and preparing you to face people and situations that make you fearful. After you face your unsettling situation, your anxiety should go away. You have a potential problem, however, when anxiety doesn’t disappear and you continue to feel anxious even though you don’t face an impending threat.
Chronic anxiety causes levels of stress hormones to stay elevated, which gradually damages your physical and emotional health. When you have ongoing anxiety that begins to affect your health or the way you live, it’s time to get help.
What symptoms develop when I’m anxious?
Chances are you’re familiar with the two top symptoms of anxiety: fear and dread. Anxiety also makes you feel tense and irritable. Many patients are constantly on high alert, always watching for signs of the people, places, and circumstances that make them anxious. You’re also likely to develop physical symptoms such as nausea, sweating, and a racing heartbeat.
At least 10 different types of anxiety are recognized by mental health experts. Each one has additional symptoms you may experience. For example, panic disorder causes chest pain and shortness of breath, and phobias make you fearful of a specific object or situation.
How are anxiety disorders treated?
Anxiety disorders are typically treated with therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medications to help relieve your symptoms. Depending on the severity of your anxiety, you may need therapy, but you don’t need to rule out complementary treatments like acupuncture and therapeutic massage. They may be combined with conventional medical care or used as your sole treatment.
Anxiety disrupts the flow of Qi, which is your vital energy. After Rebecca inserts acupuncture needles into carefully targeted acupoints, the blockage is released. As the flow of energy returns to normal, your body can heal imbalances and relieve your anxiety.
Rebecca also evaluates your nutritional status and makes recommendations for dietary changes or supplements that will restore deficiencies and help improve anxiety. She also offers therapies such as Chinese herbal medicine, which reduces therapy, and tui na, a type of massage that relieves stress and may be used to further stimulate acupoints and balance your energy.
If you suffer from anxiety, call Acupuncture Associates of Castle Rock or schedule an appointment online.
