What is Anxiety? Insights from East & West

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the US.

Despite very different medical terminology used by Eastern and Western practitioners, there are significant overlaps in the understanding of how anxiety disorders can arise and play out in the body.

For example, the heart plays a central role in Traditional Chinese Medicine’s (TCM) understanding of anxiety. Emotional problems are considered a disturbance of one’s Shen, the Heart energy. This is not so far off from the Western view when we consider that the Shen is also defined as the mind, and therefore related to brain activity, including thinking, consciousness, and emotional regulation.

Western understanding describes an imbalance between the Pre- Frontal Cortex (PFC) and the emotional center of the brain. Individuals with an anxiety disorder show heightened activity in the brain’s emotional center. It’s the job of the PFC to inhibit these signals as needed. Our emotional centers are always on the lookout for threats so we can react quickly in a dangerous situation. In anxiety disorders, the emotional processing center becomes hypersensitive and the balance with the PFC weakens, causing a heightened and prolonged state of alert and alarm.

Giovanni Maccioca, one of the most highly respected practitioners of Chinese Medicine, views the Shen as vital in the executive function that needs to control the other aspects of spirit. In other words, the Shen, as the most conscious aspect of our spirit, correlates with the Pre-Frontal Cortex in its responsibility to manage our emotions, which Western medicine attributes to structures in the center of the brain and Chinese medicine recognizes as less localized energies of various organs.

It is interesting to note that while TCM sees the spirit of the heart as the focus in understanding anxiety, the physical organ of the heart also has a direct relationship with our emotional experience. Emotional stress is often felt as a physical sensation in our chest and research has found a statistical correlation between anxiety and cardiovascular disease. 

In TCM terms, Heart pathology can be congenital, result from direct injury to the heart energy or can stem from other organ imbalances which disrupt the Heart.

In discussing anxiety, many experienced acupuncturists would be quick to point out the relationship between the heart and the kidneys. Kidneys relate to our sense of feeling safe & secure in the world. The emotion of fear is held in the kidneys and needs to be regulated by the conscious mind of the heart to be used appropriately.

Western biomedicine is aware of the relationship between the health of the kidneys and our emotional well-being. Research estimates as many as 12-52% of people with end stage kidney disease have an anxiety disorder at some point.  Likewise, stress-related high blood pressure and high blood sugar can place a tremendous strain on the kidneys over time.

Additional risk factors for anxiety disorders laid out by Western medical research point to other anxiety-related organ patterns described by TCM. For example, gastrointestinal disorders are associated with anxiety. As worry is the emotion of the spleen (considered a digestive organ in TCM), this is of course worth mentioning. In one study, 44% of people with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) had an anxiety disorder compared to only 8% of people without IBS.  Both Eastern and Western medicine will also consider lung function in relation to anxiety. Anxiety is often accompanied by depression, and TCM ascribes sadness to the lungs. Shortness of breath is a typical symptom of anxiety according to both Eastern and Western diagnosis. Western research also points out chronic disturbances in breathing patterns in patients with panic disorders.  Finally, we can’t get away without giving proper respect to liver function. The liver in Chinese medicine plays a role in almost every disease process as it is the liver’s job to move the qi of the body. Alleviating stagnation is a focus of the acupuncturist and therefore the liver gets a lot of attention. Physically, the health of the organ itself gets mentioned in Western medicine’s review of risk for anxiety as well. Anxiety was found to be significantly higher in patients with fatty liver disease. 

Anxiety can be looked at as simply a brain imbalance, but even Western perspectives recognize a much more holistic picture when looking at the various risk factors involving different organ systems, reminding us that health is a dynamic balance. Chinese Medicine can offer much needed support in that balancing act so call today to schedule your next treatment!

Research Update – Acupuncture and Lung Cancer

In a study conducted and published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information and in conjunction with the National Institute for Health, patients suffering from lung cancer showed improvements in several areas after being treated with acupuncture. Pain was decreased, appetite increased, nausea and nervousness decreased, and overall, the patient’s well-being was improved. The study showed that 61 percent of patients reported less pain and 33 percent of the patients reported an increase in their total well-being. Those participants who received more acupuncture treatments reported that their well-being was positively affected, and it was determined that a minimum of six acupuncture treatments were required for a 70 percent chance of clinical improvements regarding the overall well-being.

Lung cancer is the leading form of cancer in the United States, according to the American Lung Association. As with most forms of cancer, lung cancer is non-discriminatory in nature and can affect anybody, at any age. However, it is more prevalent in smokers, those exposed to secondhand smoke and people who have asbestos poisoning. Most lung cancer patients have multiple symptoms, including pain, fatigue, depression, difficulty breathing and anxiety.  Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be very useful tools in treating the symptoms of lung cancer, as well as decreasing the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

Every single person on the planet has cancer cells in their body. Those cancer cells only proliferate or duplicate when there is the perfect storm of conditions in the body, such as decreased immunity, prolonged stress and anxiety and improper dietary habits. When the body is balanced, the immune system attacks and destroys renegade cancer cells before they can become malignant. But an unbalanced immune system, will often fail to defend the body from the cancer cells.

TCM and specifically, acupuncture, has shown great promise in helping lung cancer patients deal with the many symptoms they encounter. One of the most important ways regular acupuncture treatments can help lung cancer patients, is by boosting the immune system. The acupuncture needles are homeopathic in nature, but when they puncture the skin, the needles are perceived as an enemy by the body. This causes the body to send an immune-mediated response to the area, which in effect, retrains the body’s immune system to attack the intruders.  The needles can be placed near or around the area of the cancerous tumor, which allows the defensive action of the immune system to be channeled to the cancer site itself.

Acupuncture can also be very effective at treating the other common symptoms of lung cancer.  Symptoms like fatigue, depression, and anxiety, can be managed with multiple acupuncture treatments that balance hormones in the body. When these are decreased, the immune system and the overall body will become stronger.

As with any form of cancer, having the proper diagnosis and treatments are essential. But adding complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, can increase the probability of success at defeating the disease. Give Holistic Health Care Centers a call today!

Depression: TCM vs. Western

In the West, until very recently, Depression has been oversimplified and described as a chemical imbalance, mainly of the neurotransmitter Serotonin. There appears to be no link between measurable serotonin concentration and depression. The ‘chemical imbalance’ theory fails to recognize the complexity of our human systems. There is such a dynamic interplay of chemical and physiological forces throughout the brain and body that affect our moods and how we perceive life. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) theory sees this in terms of energy balancing. The energy balance is affected by many factors, including stress, sleep, exercise, diet, genetics, physical and emotional trauma, toxins, and pathogens. Basically, anything that can disrupt the natural flow of the qi (energy) of the body can be a factor in the development and prognosis of Depression.

In the Western world, depression, characterized by episodes of sadness, irritability, and loss of interest, is generally treated with medication, talk therapy, or both. However, as many as 34% of those with depression don’t improve with medication or therapy and as many as half will experience depression again despite ongoing treatment. The severity of this disease is highlighted in the fact that over 700,000 people worldwide (at least 45,000 within the US alone) die due to suicide every year.

Commonly prescribed medications boost the concentration of neurotransmitters, like serotonin, in the brain, based on the premise that the rise in neurotransmitter levels will lift the depression. However, improvement only comes after weeks on the drugs, not immediately as it would if it were the direct result of chemical concentrations. New theories suggest that the anti-depressive effects of these medications are a result of nerve growth and new neural connections, a process that takes weeks. In fact, animal studies have shown that antidepressants do provoke new nerve cell growth and connections. So it seems one key in the treatment of depression is the stimulation of neurogenesis: creating new pathways for information exchange.

While these medications show some benefits for this reason, they come with a price. More than half of the people who take antidepressants report side effects such as headaches, dizziness, brain fog, weight gain, sleep disorders, sexual, digestive, and skin issues among others. Even suicidal thoughts can increase from both the introduction of antidepressants as well as the challenges of withdrawal.

Meanwhile, TCM practitioners focus on the bigger picture of energy balance. They take a very individualized approach to healing, recognizing that every person is unique and changing. They recognize the stagnation that causes depression can have numerous causes and the way it affects each person can vary. Qi stagnation mainly affecting the liver can cause strong feelings of anger and irritability. People with more anxiety and insomnia may have qi stagnation patterns affecting the heart or spleen. Chronic cases of depression are often related to a deficiency of yin: the cooling, calming, restorative energy of the body.

Acupuncture is just one of the tools TCM practitioners use to help correct qi flow. It has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative to antidepressant medications. In one study,  patients felt an improvement in their mood and quality of life after only a few weeks of acupuncture treatment, whereas patients on antidepressants took longer to experience similar benefits.

Recently, several studies suggested that acupuncture may promote neurogenesis. This can explain one mechanism for acupuncture’s ability to treat depression and give lasting benefits. Also, Chinese herbal formulas have dramatically fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals, and their safety and effectiveness is also supported by scientific research.

Holistic practitioners also offer diet and lifestyle guidance to address the triggers and resulting imbalance that sets the stage for depression. Lasting healing requires a multi-dimensional approach and with increasing access to this type of guidance and the right tools, such as acupuncture and herbal therapies, we can look forward to a happier, healthier population.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, get help today and be sure to incorporate acupuncture at Holistic Health Care Centers into your healing journey to stimulate neurogenesis and boost your body, mind, and spirit!

Chiropractic Care for Depression

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition that affects many individuals at least once in their lifetime. While experiencing grief and feeling blue is normal, depression is a mood disorder that needs special attention and care.

A depressed individual may have excessive stress and anxiety, irritability, sleep disorders, eating disorders, inability to focus, low energy, and weight changes.

Chiropractic Care and Depression It is hard to understand how chiropractic care relates to depression if you see it primarily as a mental illness. In reality, depression may also be linked to spine misalignments which greatly disturb the body’s central nervous system. Depression also occurs as a result of hormonal imbalances and excessive stress.

Chiropractic care can help with a lot of these problems with a simple act of balancing spinal health. It also helps with deep tissue massage, which releases positive hormones like cortisol and oxytocin that improves mood, reduce stress, alleviate pain, and promotes a healthy sleep cycle.

Spine Misalignment and Depression

Spine misalignment is at the center of many problems that lead to depression. As mentioned above, chemical imbalances and hormonal disturbances can cause depression, directly resulting from spine misalignment.

These health issues cannot be cured with medication alone, as the chemicals and hormones will stay in balance, but the root cause of their disturbance is still very much present.

A chiropractor delves deep into the problem and fixes the root cause by safely correcting spinal misalignment. This adjustment is the first step toward relieving stress, pain, health issues, and depression.

Is Chiropractic Care Enough to Treat Depression?

Several reasons can initiate depression – and sometimes no reason at all. Regardless, chiropractic care aids in the recovery process or at least helps manage symptoms like overwhelming stress, anxiety, and sleep problems.

This is done by encouraging spinal health and restoring the overall nerve energy to promote healthy brain function.

A case report from a long-term study also proved that chiropractic care could relieve long-term chronic headaches and significantly improve depressive states, confirming it to be a viable treatment option for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Contact Holistic Health Care Centers and make your appointments today. Our Chiropractic Physicians are here for you.

Foods to Help you Overcome Anxiety and Depression

Did you know that eating healthier foods gives you a better chance to reduce your depressive symptoms? Eating a diet of processed food does more harm to your body because those foods may be high in sugars and fats.

Additionally, it’s known that there are approximately 10 times as many bacterial cells as human cells in the body. These bacteria serve many purposes including the curation of Vitamin K, digesting the food we consume and even regulating our immune system.

This implies that maintaining a healthy gut bacteria and overall diet can improve your mood.

SO, WHAT CAN I EAT?

Studies show that dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard decrease inflammation, which has been linked to depression. Nuts are another powerhouse used to fight depression. The omega 3 fatty acids found in most nuts can reduce the symptoms of depression. Decreasing daily sugar intake can also help. Excess sugar in the diet decreases a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which can lead to depression if there is not enough of it being produced.

Though symptoms of anxiety and depression vary wildly among individuals, often these symptoms can follow someone for months if not years, slowly wearing down the body.

Here are a few simple examples of foods that can help lift your mood:

Fatty fish: Fatty fish are high in omega-3. Omega-3 is a fatty acid highly connected to cognitive function. Salmon and sardines are a great choice being among the few foods containing vitamin-D.

Eggs: You probably already know this, but the egg yolk is a great source of vitamin-D as well. They are complete proteins, which simply means they contain all the amino acids our bodies need to grow and develop properly.

Brazil nuts: Often those suffering from mood disorders have a heightened level of inflammation. Brazil nuts are high in Selenium, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Brazil nuts are also anti-carcinogenic which can help prevent cancers from developing.

Pumpkin seeds: Potassium is needed to regulate the electrolyte balance and manage blood pressure. Pumpkin seeds as well as bananas are a great source of potassium. Some studies indicate that pumpkin seeds can have a positive effect on mood thanks to their high zinc levels as well. Zinc is essential for the brain and nervous system, in fact, the highest level of zinc in the body is found in the brain regions involved with emotion.

Chamomile: For thousands of years people all over the world have used Chamomile to find relaxation thanks to it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Some people believe that the relaxing properties of this herb come from the flavonoids present, this is why a warm aromatic chamomile tea is a very popular remedy for managing anxiety.

Yogurt: Praised for its helpful bacteria, yogurt can be incredibly beneficial for many reasons. Gut health and brain health go hand in hand. Yogurt and other fermented foods can benefit the gut naturally all the while reducing anxiety and promoting happiness.

Green tea: Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, has recently received popular praise due to its potential effect on mood disorders, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder. Theanine has anti-anxiety and calming effects which can increase the production of serotonin and dopamine. Green tea is easy to add to any diet, and is a great substitute for soft drinks or coffee as green tea also contains caffeine.

WHICH FOODS SHOULD I AVOID?

Avoid foods made with added sugars or flours such as baked goods (donuts and pastries), breads, pastas, and cereals. One should also minimize the consumption of animal fats, processed meats such as bacon, and even butter.

It’s important to remember that health starts from within. Maintaining a healthy balance of self-care, such as providing yourself with adequate sleep, hydration, and physical activity is just as important as eating well. The road to wellness isn’t always paved, but the good news is that Holistic Health Care Centers is here to help guide you through this transformation.

If you are somebody who suffers from depression and you are looking for natural, holistic solutions, maybe give these suggestions a try. If nothing else, it is worth looking into. But most importantly, once you find the right path to correcting depression, follow it. Everybody is different and there is no one right answer.