TCM for Anxiety - Student Health

A recent survey of over 3,300 students carried out by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) found that 40% of third level students experience severe levels of anxiety and almost 30% are severely depressed. These high numbers are an indictment of the many stresses facing students, including financial demands, academic pressures and living away from home for the first time. These stresses, particularly if experienced over a prolonged period of time can trigger or exacerbate mental and emotional health conditions. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been used for both stress and anxiety for thousands of years.

What stress does to the body

When you are experiencing stress it can have a major impact on your health affecting you physically, mentally and emotionally. It can negatively affect your digestive and respiratory systems. It can impact your cardiovascular, hormonal and reproductive systems.

Cortisol (a stress hormone) is elevated, blood pressure increases and immune function is impaired. These effects can throw your body out of balance and manifest as a range of symptoms. Chinese medicine views the health of the body holistically. Any consistent interruption to the normal physiological functions of your body can have a knock on effect on your mental and emotional health.

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How Chinese medicine sees stress

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, stress interrupts the natural flow of energy (Qi) in the body. In Chinese medicine, Qi is the energy which flows along channels in the body called meridians. These energy channels are mapped throughout the body consisting of main channels that branch into secondary channels. In TCM stress interrupts the natural flow of this energy, causing an imbalance in the body. In Chinese medicine, treatment works on the root cause of this imbalance by releasing trapped or blocked energy, and is traditionally used to support the body's own healing processes.

Meridians (Energy Channels)

Chinese medicine treatments for stress and anxiety

Traditional Chinese medicine treatments used where there is stress, anxiety or low mood include acupuncture, acupressure, ear seeds, cupping and herbs. Following a TCM diagnosis, an experienced practitioner will propose a treatment plan unique to each individual. The practitioner will make use of distinct acupuncture points to release trapped or blocked energy to restore and balance its natural flow throughout the body. Treatment may also include other recommendations including, exercise, herbal therapy and lifestyle modifications.

Care Cure are Traditional Chinese Medicine specialists, treating patients in Dublin since 2006. If you are suffering from anxiety, stress or depression please avail of our free consultation where you will receive full TCM diagnosis and advice on treatment options.

Student discounts available.