How We Can Support Your Mental Health at Luna Acupuncture
Is it hard to find solutions past therapy sessions and medications? Are you still feeling anxious or battling depression? It can be tough to navigate the complexities of mental health in our fast-paced world. While therapy and medication are widely recognized and effective treatments, many individuals seek other approaches to support their well-being.
This is where our expertise at Luna Acupuncture shines. We offer a unique perspective on mental health offering several modalities in care. By addressing the interconnectedness of the mind and body, our therapies aim to restore balance and a sense of well-being, providing an additional avenue for relief and quality of life. Research suggests that acupuncture can be a valuable adjunct to conventional care, showing clinically significant reductions in the severity of depression and anxiety [1, 2].
From a Western perspective, acupuncture influences the nervous system, releases endorphins, and reduces inflammation, all of which can contribute to improved mood and reduced stress [3, 4]. Studies indicate that acupuncture can modulate neurotransmitter levels like serotonin and dopamine, crucial for mood regulation [3, 5]. For those struggling with anxiety, depression, or chronic stress, acupuncture offers a gentle yet effective way to calm the mind, alleviate physical tension, and foster a sense of inner peace. Our services offer a valuable support for those on their path toward mental clarity and emotional balance [1, 2].
A few foundational lifestyle habits can help support our mental health. Optimize your sleep hygiene, move your body with physical activity, incorporate simple stress management techniques, practice gratitude, stay connected in your community and incorporate whole foods in your diet diet with hydration are easy ways to start. Professional support and therapy is important to seek help when overwhelmed.
Call Luna Acupuncture at (480)426-9251 to schedule a consultation today.
Top recommended supplements for mental health[a][b]
You Can Find all of these supplements listed on Luna Acupuncture’s Fullscript Store
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John’s wort is one of the most-researched medicinal herbs, commonly used for mood disorders in herbal medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The plant’s yellow flowers are used to prepare teas or formulate dietary supplements. Research has demonstrated that supplementation with St. John’s wort in individuals with mild-to-moderate depression has comparable efficacy and safety when compared to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of pharmaceutical antidepressants. Considering several pharmaceuticals interact with St. John’s wort, it is recommended to speak with your healthcare practitioner before taking this supplement.
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)
Bacopa monnieri is also known as water hyssop or Brahmi in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India. Bacopa is a medicinal herb with a variety of properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, memory enhancing, sedative, and anti-epileptic effects. Clinical research has demonstrated that bacopa may improve cognitive functions such as learning and memory in healthy individuals, as well as improve concentration in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Further, bacopa may increase serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation in the body.
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an essential structural component of the brain that helps to form nerve cell membranes and myelin, a protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibers. Although PS is not easily obtained through the diet, PS dietary supplements commonly derived from soy lecithin or sunflower lecithin are available. Supplementation with PS has been shown to support short- and long-term memory formation, memory retrieval, learning and information recall, as well as reasoning, problem-solving, communication, and language skills.
Folate
Folate, or vitamin B9, is a water-soluble nutrient required for brain function and development. Folate exists in several forms, including tetrahydrofolate (THF) in food and folic acid or L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) in dietary supplements. Foods that are high in folate include beef liver, green vegetables (e.g., asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens, spinach), black-eyed peas, avocado, and kidney beans. Low levels of folate are associated with age-related cognitive dysfunction. Folate supplementation prior to conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy supports fetal nervous system development and lowers the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). Certain individuals who have difficulty converting folate to its active form due to a genetic polymorphism may benefit from supplementing with L-5-MTHF specifically, which is considered the “active” form of folate.
Vitamin D
Sometimes referred to as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is synthesized in the skin from sun exposure. Clinical studies suggest that low levels of vitamin D are associated with cognitive impairment, as well as an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression that typically occurs during the winter months. Certain individuals, such as older adults, individuals with limited sun exposure, and dark-skinned individuals have a limited ability to synthesize vitamin D and may benefit from supplementation.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Almost 60 percent of the human brain is comprised of fat. Omega-3 fatty acids, an essential component of cell membrane structure, play a role in brain development and function. The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may be obtained through diet by eating oily fish (e.g., mackerel, herring, salmon, sardines) or through fish oil or vegetarian algal supplements. Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to improve cognition in individuals with low omega-3 status. Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids may also help prevent certain cognitive conditions such as depression and dementia. The antidepressant effects of fish oil supplementation may be attributed to its ability to reduce inflammation and directly act on cell membrane properties.
You Can Find all of these supplements listed on Luna Acupuncture’s Fullscript Store
References:
[1] Morningside Acupuncture NYC. (2024). Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Pain and Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/blog/acupuncture-for-pain-and-mental-health
[2] Li, M., Liu, X., Ye, X., Zhuang, L., & Zhang, Q. (2022). Efficacy of acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 101(50). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9750622/
[3] CAM Therapies. (n.d.). How Does Acupuncture Work Scientifically? Retrieved from https://cam-therapies.co.uk/acupuncture/how-does-acupuncture-work/
[4] Triangle Acupuncture Clinic. (n.d.). The Power of Acupuncture for Mental Health. Retrieved from https://triangleacupunctureclinic.com/blog/the-power-of-acupuncture-for-mental-health/
[5] Chen, B., Wang, C. C., Lee, K. H., Xia, J. C., & Luo, Z. (2023). Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for depression: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 79(6), 2097-2108. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10108109/Sources
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