Stress and anxiety can both involve worry, tension and trouble sleeping. They are related, but they are not the same thing.
If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
From Lesley's practice
Lesley's own experience in her practice. It is not research, and results vary from person to person.
What do you look for?
In my office, when someone says they are “stressed,” after a brief period of guided self-inquiry, it turns out that a person is really, sad, scared, frustrated or even in a period of grief that they were trying to keep at bay.
Additionally, we need to look at the underlying causes of feelings of anxiety. Is this long- or short-term? Is this related to a specific event, such as moving, divorce or any other obvious disruptions to one’s feelings of safety and security? Are symptoms related to longer-term situations such as a difficult work environment or caring for a sick friend or family member? Or are one’s feelings of anxiety related to an excess in caffeine consumption, drugs or prescription medications?
What is a session like?
One of the key qualities of an acupuncture treatment is the opportunity to unplug and be in the moment. In my office, I use soft music and encourage clients to try and slow their thoughts and pay attention to their breathing. Rarely does a session pass without me discussing how to cultivate these feelings of peace in daily life.
Mindfulness simply means being aware of your body and your breath and the present moment. That’s it! It doesn’t have to be fancy, or on a mountain top.
How many sessions will I need?
Every person and treatment plan is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. In general, the longer a concern has been present, the more time it may take to address. I recommend beginning with 4–6 treatments to give your body a meaningful opportunity to respond and to establish a personalized care plan.
How it fits with therapy and medication
Talk therapy and medication are the two main treatments for anxiety, and many people benefit from both together. Acupuncture is offered here as something to add alongside that care, not a replacement for it.
If you take medication for anxiety or mood, keep taking it as prescribed. The National Institute of Mental Health advises against stopping a prescribed medication, even if you feel better, without the help of a health care provider, because stopping too soon may cause unpleasant or harmful side effects. Discuss dose changes with the clinician managing your medication.
Everyday habits help many people manage stress:
- keeping a journal
- relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing
- regular exercise and regular, healthy meals
- a steady sleep routine
- cutting back on caffeine
- reaching out to friends or family who help you cope in a good way
Stress management such as exercise, mindfulness and meditation can also ease anxiety symptoms and add to the effects of therapy, though healthy habits alone cannot replace treatment for an anxiety disorder.
When to see a doctor or mental health professional
An anxiety disorder is more than a hard stretch. The feeling of anxiety becomes a severe, lasting problem that is hard to control and gets in the way of work, school or time with family and friends. Generalized anxiety disorder is diagnosed when a person finds it hard to control worry on most days for at least 6 months and has at least three other symptoms, such as restlessness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension or sleep problems.
You may be at risk for an anxiety disorder if stress feels hard to manage and its symptoms get in the way of everyday life, make you avoid doing things, or seem to be always there. If you are struggling to cope, or the symptoms will not go away, talk to a professional.
A primary care doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist or clinical social worker can help. A provider may also do a physical exam to make sure an unrelated physical problem is not causing the symptoms.
If you are in immediate distress or thinking about hurting yourself, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. It is free, confidential and open 24/7. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
Is acupuncture safe?
Relatively few complications from acupuncture have been reported, but some have come from needles that were not sterile or from treatment that was not done properly. The FDA requires acupuncture needles to be sterile and labeled for single use. Acupuncture should not be used to put off seeing a health care provider about a health problem.
Booking a visit
To book, use the Book now button at the top of the page, or see the contact page for the office address and phone.