We all know that stress is just a part of life. We all have moments of feeling anxious or depressed, but when those feelings become more of a permanent fixture in our lives, it is time to get some help. What many may not know is how effective Acupuncture can be in providing relief to the mental and physical symptoms associated with Anxiety and Depression.

In fact, a 2010 study states: “Depression and anxiety together constitute a significant contribution to the global burden of disease. Acupuncture is widely used for treatment of Anxiety and Depression and use is increasing. The theoretical basis for Acupuncture diagnosis and treatment derives from Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. An alternative approach is used in medical Acupuncture which relies more heavily on contemporary neurophysiology and conventional diagnosis.”

The Balance of Qi & a Physiological Response

The pressures of life that lead to too much Stress can impact the balance of Qi in the body. Qi is often defined as the body’s energy and flows through channels in the body called meridians. When our bodies are balanced, Qi flows through the meridian network and our systems are operating as they should be. When Qi is not balanced, we can experience a host of physical symptoms including high blood pressure, digestive issues, loss of appetite, and impacts to our nervous system.

Perhaps the best way to think of it is that Acupuncture can balance the nervous system and train it to behave as optimally as it should to relieve those symptoms of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression. Studies have shown that Acupuncture can have a positive impact on heart rate variability which then leads to a healthy central autonomic network.

It is also important to note that Anxiety and Depression can elicit both emotional and physical symptoms. Emotional symptoms include feeling overwhelmed, agitated, or moody, trouble quieting the mind, feelings of worthlessness that then lead to avoiding social situations and other people. Physical symptoms include lack of energy, headache, digestion issues, body aches and pains, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, nervousness, frequent sickness, and cold sweats, just to name a few of the most common complaints.

If you suffer from feelings of Anxiety and Depression, please call me to develop the appropriate treatment plan. Studies have shown that the right “dose” of Acupuncture was the key in helping patients see results and a reduction of the symptoms of stress and depression. “Dose” is defined as both the number of treatment sessions overall, as well as the number of Acupuncture points addressed in each session. Studies have also shown that Acupuncture can help to get heart rate variability back to an optimal range which can help improve issues with heart disease, hypertension, anxiety and depression, insomnia, migraines, and muscle pain — all physical signs of stress.

In addition to regular Acupuncture treatments, I can also recommend Herbal supplements and Nutrition and Dietary changes that can also get your energy back in balance. Do not suffer another day. Call me today and schedule your appointment so you can get a treatment plan in place and get back into balance.

Dr. Mindy Boxer is a holistic practitioner who has grown into her specialties in an organic way. Understanding a range of disciplines allows her to integrate the wisdom of Ancient healing in combination with the most recent innovations in Scientific research. This dynamic blend has enabled Dr. Boxer to help patients in the prevention and treatment of disease for over 25 years.

At age 15, Dr. Boxer began her lifelong practice of Yoga & Meditation, read many Nutrition books, began Juicing her Vegetables, and explored and all Raw Diet.  Recognizing the importance of Nutrition in overall health, she earned her Ph.D. in 1986 in Nutrition and Human Behavior, providing her with a solid foundation to counsel and educate patients on how to attain health and vitality.

Her informative Lectures and appetizing Cooking Classes were the perfect forum to educate the community about the effects of food on Mood and Behavior, as well as in innovative ways to balance Body Chemistry in order to achieve overall well being.

Sensing a need to expand her training and understanding of the human body as a whole system, Dr. Boxer continued her studies in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine,  and in 1993 earned a Masters Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by the Medical Board of the State of California in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and is also licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.

These diverse disciplines give Dr. Boxer a unique view of the human body and how to keep it functioning in an optimal manner. Her practice of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Functional Nutrition have a profound effect on Hormonal balance, Rejuvenation, and Immune system enhancement.

Dr. Boxer has a particularly keen understanding of Women’s Health issues including Gynecological irregularity, PMS, Fertility, IUI & UVF support, Healthy Pregnancy & Delivery, and Menopausal issues. Her interest in the human body as a dynamic system has given her the understanding to deal with such problems as improper Digestion and elimination, Cancer Support, Allergies, back pain, tight neck and shoulders, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory distress, chronic fatigue, Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.

She has also studied the art and science of Homeopathy, earning her Diplomate in Homeopathy from the Hahnemann College of Homeopathy in 1995. This allows her to treat the whole person — physically, mentally, emotionally.

Proper Nutrition, Herbs, Acupuncture, and Homeopathic remedies are the tools Dr. Boxer utilizes to allow the body to heal itself and find its way back to balance. She is dedicated to helping her patients find “Radiant Health and Well-Being.”