Emotional Health as prevention

For this post I will just stick with one of these tools of prevention - emotional health. Anxiety and depression have gained so much popularity that they are now a leading cause of disease. Part of the problem might be there aren't always a lot of solutions available. Why?

1. It can be hard to find a therapist that is the right fit

2. Difficulty finding a therapist who is available and in network with the right insurance

3. Medication management - There is always a risk in taking medications, and sometimes it ends up being more than was estimated.   If it is possible for overwhelming feelings to become tolerable with less invasive therapy, it would be preferable to find that out by trying it first, to rule out the need for medication. If it is decided to include medication, ensure there is some good therapy in place alongside. Going without it is attempting to control the immediate situation without addressing the entire problem. The condition usually includes some level of unresolved emotional experiences. If medication can make emotions stay repressed, the cost for that is the problem may manifest in other ways, often physically.

   
   

Some people have very good experiences with counseling therapy. With others there may be barriers present, where the person can't talk about their issue, or won't even consider making an appt. They may bury the stress or emotion so deeply, or try to compensate for so long that it starts affecting their physical health.  These kinds of conditions are sometimes not easily treated by conventional medicine, and usually the point at which someone might find their way into my office, willing to try anything.

Whether the emotional problem has advanced to having a physical manifestation or not, acupuncture can be very helpful. It is not necessary to talk through the problem in an acupuncture session. The body will tell the story of what it needs. If there is something that is being held on to emotionally, there will be clues about where it is, and how to release it. Sometimes people do feel like talking about their problem during the treatment, which can help it be released, but it's not necessary. The main thing is that they feel safe, so that whatever needs to happen can happen. Other manifestations of release might be crying, laughing, or coughing. None of these are the goal of the treatment, but whatever reaction the body has will be supported. Through this process, the nervous system becomes more regulated, feelings that have been stuck can move freely, which inspires new thoughts or behavior to be possible. The goal of the treatment evolves at the pace determined by the person who is receiving it. In the safety and sacredness of this type of therapy, emotions become more balanced, physical symptoms improve, and greater understanding and compassion for oneself are the side effects.

#preventivemedicine

#emotionalregulation