Can acupuncture help relieve anxiety during pregnancy?
Acupuncture has shown some effectiveness in alleviating anxiety during pregnancy. According to a study, acupuncture can reduce perceived stress and improve anxiety symptoms in pregnant women. The study involved 56 pregnant women who underwent six sessions of acupuncture, and the results indicated a significant decrease in stress scores across several measures, including feelings of unease, lack of control, tension, fatigue, anger, and the inability to cope with stress. Additionally, acupuncture significantly improved scores related to perceived control over the situation, and there was a noticeable difference in the average perceived stress from the initial session to the sessions held in the first, second, and third weeks.
Moreover, acupuncture stimulates the release of certain chemicals in the brain that affect neurological responses, including endorphins, which can combat pain and anxiety. During acupuncture, a practitioner inserts thin needles into specific points on the body that correspond to nerves within the body. When these nerves are stimulated by the needles—either through manual manipulation or electrical stimulation in the case of electroacupuncture—the body releases endorphins that can suppress symptoms of back pain, nausea, and even improve symptoms of depression during pregnancy.
Acupuncture can also serve as an adjunct during labor to reduce pain and potentially speed up the delivery process. For women struggling with fertility, acupuncture may also help address issues of infertility.
However, the safety of acupuncture largely depends on the training and experience of the practitioner. Pregnant women should avoid certain specific points during acupuncture as stimulating these points could increase the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a reputable medical facility and a professional acupuncturist to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.