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🔗Links mentioned in this episode:
Studies on Mental health & acupuncture: First study | Second study
Show Notes
Picture this, you are in a deep state of relaxation, experiencing a renewed sense of calm, and your mind is at ease. This is the power of acupuncture when it comes to mental health.
In this episode, we explore how acupuncture can effectively bring the mind into a parasympathetic state and provide relief for various mental health conditions. We will also discuss the fifteen most commonly used acupuncture points for mental health in clinical practice. So, let’s dive in!
The Perspective of Chinese Medicine on Mental Health 🧠
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mental and emotional trauma play a significant role in chronic physical disorders. Emotional disturbances, such as anger, worry, sadness, and fear, can have a profound impact on our physical health. For example, prolonged anger can lead to cellular-level changes in the body, resulting in physical disorders like high blood pressure. Acupuncture effectively triggers the body’s physical response to reach a state of mental ease, making it a powerful tool for addressing mental health issues.
Understanding the Organs and their Emotional Connection to Mental Health 🔁
In Chinese medicine, specific organs are closely linked to different emotional states. The Spleen is associated with worry and overthinking, the Liver with anger and frustration, the Lung with sadness and depression, and the Heart with long-standing emotions and joy. Other organs, such as the Gallbladder, Bladder, Small Intestine, and Large Intestine, also play a role in mental health. Understanding these connections is crucial when using acupuncture to address mental health concerns.
The 15 Most Used Acupuncture Points for Mental Health 📍
Spleen
1. Spleen 5 – This point is underutilized, but highly effective for both physical and mental fatigue. It helps improve concentration, focus, and overall energy.
2. Spleen 6 – Located three cun above the medial malleolus, Spleen 6 is a powerful point for calming the mind and addressing stress, irritability, and fear.
Stomach
3. Stomach 40 – Known for its ability to address phlegm in the body, Stomach 40 is particularly beneficial for treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues related to phlegm accumulation.
Heart
4. Heart 7 -Referred to as Shen Men or the Gate of the Mind, Heart 7 is a key point for insomnia and various mental health conditions. It is also effective for alleviating poor memory and anxiety.
Kidney
5. Kidney 1 – As the most grounding point in the body, Kidney 1 is excellent for individuals who feel scattered and have a hard time calming their mind. It can be massaged or acupressured for relaxation and better sleep.
6. Kidney 4 – This point works wonders for individuals with phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Combined with other points like Spleen 5 and Spleen 6, it is especially effective.
7. Kidney 6 – Although primarily used for balancing hormones and the reproductive system, Kidney 6 also aids in addressing insomnia caused by nightmares and anxiety relating to past trauma.
8. Pericardium 6 – A well-known point for anxiety, Pericardium 6 also helps alleviate acid reflux, heartburn, and other stomach-related issues triggered by anxiety.
Gallbladder
9. Gallbladder 24 – Although typically known for physical ailments, Gallbladder 24 is also valuable for addressing lack of direction, purpose, and decision-making. Combining it with Gallbladder 34 enhances its effectiveness.
Liver
10. Liver 2 – This point is excellent for individuals who feel anger, frustration, irritability, and annoyance, helping to bring Liver Yang down and calm the mind.
11. Liver 3 -Known for its ability to move Qi, Liver 3 is ideal for individuals experiencing frustration, irritability, and moodiness. It is also often used in the treatment of depression.
REN
12. Ren 17 – As a local point in the center of the chest, Ren 17 is effective for reducing anxiety, panic attacks, and palpitations. It promotes calmness throughout the body.
DU
13. Du 20 – Located at the highest point of the head, Du 20 can be needled to either lift energy for individuals experiencing mental fatigue or calm the mind for those struggling with insomnia.
14. Yin Tang -Positioned between the eyebrows, Yin Tang is perfect for calming the mind, reducing worry, overthinking, and anxiety. It is also associated with enlightenment and meditation.
15. An Mian – This easily acupressured point, located behind the ears, aids in addressing insomnia. Combined with other points like Kidney 1 and Heart 7, it offers a powerful combo for better sleep.
Acupuncture has shown promising results in treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and phobias. By understanding the emotional connections within the body and utilizing specific acupuncture points, practitioners can help individuals find relief and restore balance to their mental well-being.
Disclaimer
The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice for any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.
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Hi, this great, thank you Clara. Is there any way you could share links to the mentioned studies, please?
Hi Ana, if you scroll to the very top of the page, it says “🔗 Links mentioned in this episode” and the 2 studies are linked there 😊
Hope that helps!