ANHS Logo
Modality Pic
Acupuncture & Natural Health Solutions Newsletter   Providing Natural Health Care for the Entire Family
Issue #2015-10d
 Acupuncture for
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)


Mental health problems are extremely common, and many 
times more than people expect. There are a whole host of 
reasons why some suffer from mental health disorders. 
Genetics, upbringing and environment can all play a role in a person's well being and mental health.

 Prescription medication to deal with these issues are also 
one of the most over prescribed type of drug. A lot of times 
these drugs mask the problem, rather than getting to the 
root cause and curing. They can also lead to harmful and 
long-lasting side effects.  



OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder, is one of the most
common mental health disorders. A lot of us have low levels
of OCD about certain things, which is completely normal.
When one suffers from serious OCD, it can greatly impede
on their quality of living and everyday activities.

OCD is characterized as an anxiety disorder and involves irrational repeatedness. For example, someone with OCD may check on things or perform tasks repeatedly, causing distress and getting in the way of everyday tasks. Another common behavior is cleaning obsessively and being irrationally afraid of germs.

This disorder affects around 2.2 million Americans and usually develops during childhood or young adulthood. There is a spectrum of OCD depending on the person, where symptoms may get better or return and get worse. This illness can be very frustrating and discouraging for the person suffering with it as well as people around them.

Most medication that is prescribed to help OCD include
anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants, which come
with a whole slew of side effects.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine and
can also offer an alternative treatment to help OCD
with the effects of drugs.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, OCD is considered to be caused by an imbalance of the kidneys. When kidneys are not functioning properly, the body and mind can become stressed.

Acupuncture works by the specific placement of needles on different points throughout the body. These points work to release blockages in the body and return the body back to its natural flow and as a result, back to health.

Acupuncture is known to lower stress and anxiety levels and calm the mind. When this happens, a person is less likely to have compulsive tendencies.

If you or someone you know is suffering from OCD, ask an acupuncturist how acupuncture treatment could be the right option for better health.

           
Overcoming Your Obsessive Compulsive Disorder


Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is not something that can be easily cured, but that doesn't mean it is impossible. Taking an active approach to treating your OCD will only result in positives. When you decide to take the step toward better health, you would be surprised at the results.


The mind game

Those who have never dealt with mental disorders can 
have a hard time understanding the mental battle those with 
OCD face everyday. When your illness dictates your actions 
and defines who you are, it is not as easy as it appears to 
break a habit or a behavior.

The feelings that consume your mind with OCD often include negative, anxiety and fear driven thoughts that are impossible to get out of your head. Although mental illness can not go away immediately, if you participate in treatment regularly, over time you will be able to see results.



First step is seeking treatment, and sticking with it
There are many treatment options to consider when you decide to get help. Common options include Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) , which includes exposure to what is feared or obsessed and learning how to cope in healthy ways with the anxiety you feel about it.

A licensed therapist will give you the treatment, which should be continued over time. Other treatments that are widely used include prescription medication such as antidepressants. Although these can be effective, they can also cause unwanted side effects and be ineffective in the long term.

Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that can have great results for those suffering from OCD and help to lower the anxiety that comes along with it. No matter what options 
you choose, sticking with them and not giving up is 
important for the road to recovery.


Get ready for hard work

Overcoming OCD is not easy, and you may feel like your treatments haven't been effective and you're ready to quit. At this time, it will the most crucial to stick with your plans and to continue working on lowering your anxiety. There are exercises you can do every day to help little by little including practicing mindfulness and meditation.

Bottom line, don't give up, you'll be surprised on the results you will see. Overcoming a mental illness is no easy task and life seems to get in the way too often. However, at the end of the day the only person who can help you, is you.

 

Recipe Corner

Ginseng Chicken Soup




  • Tonifies Yuan Qi.
  • Tonifies Spleen Qi and harmonizes the Stomach.
  • Tonifies Lung Qi and strengthens the Wei (defensive) Qi.
 
INGREDIENTS: 
  • 1 whole chicken
  • 20 g (0.71 oz) ginseng (red) or American ginseng
  • 20 pieces jujube (red)
  • 30 g (1.1 oz) lyceum
  • salt, to taste
Makes 4 servings
 
 
PREPARATION:
 
  1. Remove giblets from cavity of chicken. Wash the chicken thoroughly.
  2. Place 10g ginseng, 10 pieces jujube, and 10g lycium inside the chicken.
 
COOKING:  
  1. Boil cassia seeds in 500cc of water for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Strain. (Or make the tea as you would coffee in a coffeemaker.)
  2. Place the chicken (breast-side up) in a stock pot.
  3. Add 1000cc of water, 10g ginseng, 10 pieces jujube and 20g lycium to the stock pot.
  4. Cover the lid and bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat.
  5. Simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken softens. Season with salt to taste. Serve.

The information contained within the  newsletter is only used to educate 
and inform. This newsletter is  not a substitute for the advice of a licensed 
and registered health  care provider. Seek prompt attention for emergencies. Consult  a health care provider for specific health concerns, and before 
starting a diet, cleanse or exercise routine.
Monthly Acupuncture Column Featured in SW Florida's Health & Wellness Magazine 

Toni Eatros, AP,
Acupuncture Physician, 
is the  featured acupuncture columnist in the popular SW Florida's Health & Wellness Magazine.
  
Be sure to check out the October issue, on stands now, entitled Improve Your Breast Health With Traditional Chinese Medicine

Click the link below 
to view September's Article, entitled 
Tapping (EFT)
to Eliminate OCD

Tapping - Emotional Freedom Technique
---------------------------------


Many people who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder find that treatment options may not be working as well as they hoped.

Emotional Freedom Technique, or tapping, is an alternative treatment that can be used to help those with OCD and lead to a healthier, stress-free life.

Similar to acupuncture, EFT is based on the idea that our bodies have a meridian system that creates an energy flow throughout our body and to our organs. When there is a blockage or stagnation in this flow, illness can arise. Unlike acupuncture, tapping can easily be learned and can 
be a self-treatment without the needles.
How can EFT help OCD?

EFT works to correct the root cause of the problem, and in the case of OCD 
that is the compulsive thoughts that precede the compulsive action.

Habits are extremely hard to break for those suffering with OCD, EFT works 
to change the mindset 
and energy before the behavior begins.

This safe and completely harmless treatment focuses on the meridian system of the body and tapping each of the 12 meridian points 5-7 times. At the same time, it is important to focus on accepting and letting go of negative emotions that are causing compulsive behaviors. By doing so, you are calming the mind and returning the body back to a healthy balance.

Studies done at accredited institutions such as 
Harvard Medical School have found the effectiveness of EFT tapping.

One study found that when these meridian points are stimulated, the body's stress and fear responses are lowered. Dr. Dawson Church has spent many years studying tapping and has found that war veterans who received tapping treatment had a 63 percent decrease in PTSD symptoms.

OCD is not something that is easily curable, but there are treatment options such as EFT tapping that have proven to be helpful with no side effects.

Talk to an acupuncturist on how tapping can be incorporated into your treatment program and get you back on the road to better health! 

Research Update:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
--------------------------
A study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies in 2013 found that students were less likely to feel anxiety and OCD related symptoms after having a 20-minute acupuncture treatment.  

Researchers at Georgetown University found that acupuncture can reduce the body's production of stress hormones, which then can lower symptoms of OCD or compulsive behavior that is caused from stress. Acupuncture offers almost no side effects compared to prescription medication and other forms of treatment for OCD and anxiety. 

If you or someone you know is suffering from OCD, contact an acupuncturist to learn more how acupuncture can get you on the road back to better health!


Sources Article:
Electroacupuncture & Obsessive-compulsive Disorder 
Thrive Market

Shop the best online non-GMO, organic, vegan, raw, Paleo, gluten-free,
and non-toxic items from the top-selling brands. 
 
Thrive Market, only sells the highest quality products from the brands you know and love. 
 
Each item has been hand selected and categorized so you can find exactly what you want - we're taking the guesswork out of healthy living! 

LIVE WELL. 
DO GOOD.

Thrive Market was created because they believe that EVERYONE should have access to healthy products at affordable prices.
 
 When you join Thrive Market as a paying member, they donate a free membership to a family who wouldn't otherwise have access to healthier alternatives to conventional, highly-processed and artificial foods.

We hope you will join them in their mission to make healthy living affordable and easy for everyone so we can all thrive together.

Enjoy fast shipping nationwide, with orders over $49 shipping for free!

Click this link ,  
or  use
http://thrv.me/anhs , and save 25% on your first order when you become a member.  

Reference Books

 

 

 

 

Feel free to forward our newsletter to any friends or family that you think may be interested in its content.
  
Follow me on Twitter 

Like me on Facebook

View my profile on LinkedIn

Visit my blog