Stress, Anxiety and Depression

I have treated a large number of people in various degrees of mental distress, including individuals who are overwhelmed by excessively busy lives, as well as those suffering from general anxieties and mild-to-moderate depression.

Acupuncture has a reasonable track record in the treatment of these conditions, and I have found that most people benefit from an improved sense of well-being and calmness, and are generally better able to cope with life.

The effects of acupuncture are not like those of a drug, or an alcoholic drink. People are more likely to describe a mental shift in the way they perceive and respond to events and circumstances. Issues that were previously bothersome, become less significant.

I have found that the beneficial effects last two to four days after the first treatment, and that treatments need topping up at roughly weekly intervals for a few weeks until the patterns of thought become less entrenched. Those suffering from mild-to-moderate depression are likely to need treatment for longer. I have treated patients with depression who have been able to reduce their medication to some degree, very gradually, in conjunction with their GPs.

Other benefits often arrive with treatment, in the form of improved sleep and therefore increased energy.

I generally suggest trying treatment for three to four sessions and then reviewing progress. I will always increase intervals between treatments where this is beneficial to the patient.

What to expect from treatment

With this type of treatment, I will generally use acupuncture needles and homeopathy. Many of the people who have come to see me have benefited from discussion of issues, where they have felt comfortable to do so. There is some time to talk, should you wish to, within each appointment and while the needles are doing their work.

Many of my patients very much enjoy the feeling of calmness and relaxation that often comes during and very shortly after treatment.

Here are links to some articles on this type of condition:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/4741658.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1574953.stm