/ Health Concerns / Mental Health

Anxiety

Basics

While many individuals experience temporary anxiety during stressful situations, those with an anxiety disorder endure prolonged periods of fear and stress lasting six months or more. The primary types of anxiety disorders include Panic Disorder, specific phobias, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Chinese Medicine Understanding

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), several common diagnostic patterns are associated with anxiety disorders. There are various methods within TCM to help manage this condition. The main pattern differentiations include: Heart Qi and Blood Stagnation, Phlegm Affecting the Heart, Yin Deficiency where empty heat may rise and disturb the spirit, Heart Qi and Blood Deficiency which may develop after a prolonged illness.

Acupuncture is usful in treating anxiety disorders (Bazzan 2014 – Narrative review) (1). Additionally, there are positive and statistically significant effects observed (Goyata 2016 – Integrative review of 19 studies) (2).