How acupuncture can help in psychological treatment

The practice is an option for those who wish to take care of their mental health; learn more about the topic

The month of September is dedicated around the world to attention to mental health care. The Yellow September campaign highlights the importance of discussing the topic, as well as taking actions that preserve life. In this sense, the psychological treatment expands the debate free from social stigmas on this topic and the practice of acupuncture can be an alternative path.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, approximately 9.3% of Brazilians suffered from anxiety disorders. The most common symptoms of this condition are shortness of breath, muscle pain, change in heart rate and insomnia. This reality is just a snapshot, but it demonstrates the importance of discussing care mental health.

Although the issue is seen as a public health issue, there is still much to be done. This is because the diagnosis of mental illness still implies prejudices socially structured. This reality affects the search for treatment, representing a danger to the health and quality of life of individuals.

Currently the most common therapy in the field of psychological treatments is medicalization. However, other actions can also help in this process and bring positive mental health outcomes. In addition to the indications for adopting a change in habits, such as adequate sleep and physical exercise, the practice of acupuncture it is becoming popular as a complementary route.

To find out more about this activity, we listened to the specialist Dr. Luiz Sampaio, psychiatrist, acupuncturist and president of the Brazilian College of Acupuncture (CMBA). Learn more about the practice below.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture as a medical treatment began in China between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD. Since then, this practice has evolved and become popular in several Western countries. In Brazil, the Federal Council of Medicine has recognized the activity as a medical treatment since 1992.

Although acupuncture is not pharmacological, it can be used alone or in combination with pharmacological treatments and physical and surgical interventions. What determines which approach to take is the medical diagnosis.

For which cases is it recommended?

The practice can be applied as an isolated treatment in various clinical conditions. As a therapy associated with the use of drugs or other treatments, its implementation is recommended for practically all diseases.

Furthermore, it is indicated in surgical cases relief of pain postoperative e reduction of inflammatory processes. The practice can also have an impact on improving the immune system in cancer patients, alleviating side symptoms of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

According to Luiz, there is no specific target audience for acupuncture treatment. Therefore, its application may vary depending on the medical diagnosis in any person and regardless of age.

Are there any restrictions for this practice?

Acupuncture restrictions are directly related to medical diagnosis. This is because if used inappropriately it can mask pain, leading to worsening of diseases. Therefore the risks of therapy, even if rare, must be subject to medical evaluation.

What is the impact of acupuncture on mental illnesses?

Psychological treatment is a type of treatment that uses psychotherapeutic techniques. “Both psychotherapy and acupuncture can be indicated in isolation for some of the most common diagnoses in psychiatry, in others they can be combined and, in the most serious cases, associated with drugs. It is necessary to underline that acupuncture is a medical and not a psychological treatment”, explains Luiz

Acupuncture helps reducing the use of drugs and, consequently, the reduction of its negative side effects. The treatment aims to regulate the physiological functions of the organism. All this occurs through the peripheral, central and autonomic nervous systems, or through the endocrine and immune systems.

In cases of treatment of mental illnesses, the release of opioids has an anxiolytic and sedative action, improving the quality of sleep. Serotonin has an anxiolytic action, helping the mood. In this way it is possible to reduce or even avoid the need to resort to drugs.

According to the psychiatrist, the search for acupuncture as a form of therapy is more common for diseases such as anxiety, sleep disorders AND depression. In general, this research represents an alternative to pharmacological therapies, a condition that is not always possible or indicated.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.