What prompted me to write this blog on the subject of low mood and acupuncture were conversations with two patients in clinic yesterday. Each patient was being treated for arthritis and hormonal imbalance respectively; however, both noticed a positive change in their mood as a side effect.

During the winter months it is natural to feel low in energy and lack physical motivation; the same can be said for our mental health. With fewer daylight hours and a constant battle against the cold, it is easy for our mood to dip and to feel generally fed up. While it is normal to experience low mood from time to time, for some this mind-set can become chronic and affect their daily life. Patients who suffer with recurrent low mood can also experience other symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, low motivation and self-esteem as well as disturbed sleep. All of which have an impact on their daily life and routines.

Why?

The reason why we feel this way can be caused by a combination of factors, such as biochemical changes in our brain, genetics and chronic pain. It can also be triggered by our body’s response to difficult situations, like stress at work, relationship problems or financial difficulties. Many people who suffer with their mental health often feel isolated as it is generally not a subject that is that is discussed openly and the lack of awareness often means that people suffer in silence. 

What can we do?

In order for us to feel better, we firstly need to address why we are feeling this way. By tackling the root cause, a sustainable recovery is more achievable. In addition to changes made to our daily life, acupuncture can be helpful in improving physical and emotional wellbeing. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the nervous system, resulting in the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and other endorphins (BAcC, 2017), which have a positive effect on our mental health. Studies have also shown that through the stimulation of specific acupuncture points, areas of the brain responsible for reducing sensitivity to pain and stress are activated (Hui, 2010).

Drawing on clinical experience, patients who seek acupuncture for low mood and symptoms such as anxiety notice an improvement in their outlook and endure fewer symptoms. If you would like to know more about today’s blog or have any further questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Thanks for reading.

​We only need to take a look out of the window, or listen to the gentle tweeting of birds to see that Spring has finally sprung. Bringing with it the inevitable season of sneezing and irritated eyes. More commonly known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis affects around one in five people in the UK. Each individual will present with different symptoms, however sneezing, coughing and wheezing, along with red, swollen and itchy eyes are most typical of this condition. These symptoms are brought about by our body’s immune system overreacting to airborne allergens such as pollen, dust and mould spores. Avoiding exposure to these irritants is the best solution to control the symptoms, however this is not always possible. A standard over the counter treatment for allergic rhinitis is antihistamines, but these can bring about undesirable affects such as drowsiness and dry mouth.
 
Over the past week, several patients have asked if acupuncture can help alleviate their symptoms of this condition, prompting me to write this blog. Medical evidence, along with patient experiences, has shown that acupuncture is effective in the relief of allergic rhinitis. It is thought that it works by stimulating the nervous system, resulting in the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. Researchers recently identified that acupuncture significantly lowered Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, an antibody that is associated with allergies and hypersensitivities (HealthCMi).
 
As acupuncturists we look at hay fever and other allergic conditions as the body’s response to external pathogens. Not only do we look at the more obvious imbalance of the lung qi, but also at underlying problems that will be unique to each person. In this way we aim to equip your body’s natural defence for the next time that hay fever strikes.
 
If you have any questions about today’s blog, or any other issues please feel free to get in touch. Thanks for reading. 

​Acupuncture has been a form of healthcare for over 2000 years, providing relief from all sorts of pains and ailments. As practitioners, we aim to continually adapt and improve our skills to bring modern solutions to an age old practise.
 
I have set up this blog to reach out to people who may be interested in acupuncture but perhaps need a little more information. Acupuncture provides a wholesome and holistic approach to treatment that goes far beyond the reactive remedies that are commonly prescribed in modern medicine. I aim to provide integrated healthcare that delivers results based on your constitution and well-being – not just your symptoms.
 
Each week I will be adding a new blog that takes on a new idea, based on treatments for different conditions and recent themes and topics in the world of acupuncture. So feel free to get in touch and share your thoughts. Alternatively, if you have any questions or queries let me know and it may inspire my next blog.
 
Thanks for reading.