Free consultations with an acupuncturist are being offered to people with anxiety and depression who want to try an alternative approach to dealing with these problems.
The University of Bristol’s acupuncturist, Jason Davies, is starting the free trial in National Depression Week (18th – 24th April) and the 15 minute consultations at the University's Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health will be available throughout April and May. People will be able to discuss their symptoms and ask questions about how acupuncture might help.
To arrange a free appointment please call the Centre on 0117 928 8810.
According to the Mental Health Foundation one in three people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year, the most common form being anxiety with depression. The World Health Organisation predicts that depression will be second only to heart disease as the biggest global health burden by 2020.
Despite being such a common condition, many people are loath to admit that they are suffering, as there is still a stigma surrounding the illness. National Depression Week hopes to fight this stigma and encourage people to seek help.
Jason said: “Over a third of the patients I see come because of anxiety, stress and depression and the results are very encouraging. The treatment itself is very relaxing and over the course of 3-6 sessions most people experience a considerable turn around in their symptoms.”
He added: “Treatment is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. It can be used on its own, or alongside medication and other forms of therapy. A big advantage of acupuncture treatment over antidepressants is that there are no side effects associated with it.”
A recent review of current research by the British Acupuncture Council concluded “acupuncture could play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety and depression”.
Jason Davies is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and has been working with Chinese Medicine since 1990. He practices at the Bristol University Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, which is open to the general public throughout the year.
Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, releasing chemicals into the muscles, spinal chord and brain, promoting the body’s natural healing ability. Studies have shown that it may alter the brain chemistry in a positive way by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones such as serotonin.
Symptoms associated with depression and anxiety:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Loss of self confidence
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed, including sex
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain