29 MayIntegration of Psychotherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine by Ami P. Kang, LCSW, Acuworx Every May since 1949 countless health organizations and hospitals have worked to raise awareness around the importance of mental health and celebrate the recovery of mental illnesses. Our work continues, as an estimated 1 in 5 Americans suffer from moderate to severe mental conditions*, ranging from anxiety, stress, and depression to bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we partnered with Acuworx, a premiere acupuncture and cupping center located in Jersey City, to provide joint healing resources. They believe in holistic healing for all conditions, especially mental health. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, and their holistic approach have helped many patients achieve balance in their body and mind, oftentimes in tandem with Western medicine, psychotherapy, and other healing modalities. Acuworx’s Approach For thousands of years TCM has emphasized the inseparability of physical, mental, & spiritual health. They continue that tradition at Acuworx by using the full spectrum of treatments that promote a healthy and harmonious balance between mind and body, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and bodywork modalities such as Tui Na, Gua Sha, moxibustion, and cupping. Whether you are suffering from pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, or addiction, it is crucial to choose a partner in your healing process who offers an open, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment. Here, you can be guided along your journey with compassion and a holistic approach that creates harmony in mind, body, and spirit. How Acupuncture Works Many of the mental health issues that people deal with including anxiety, depression, PTSD, pain, and addiction withdrawal are related to and exacerbated by an overactive stress response. That is what causes the feeling of “fight or flight” that persists throughout our stressful daily routine. A significant aspect of managing our mental health, and ultimately feeling relief from overwhelming symptoms, is allowing the body to experience the “rest & digest” response that is the antidote to the overactive stress response. A session of acupuncture, often including Tui Na massage, cupping, moxa, or gua sha, is specifically designed to allow the mind and body to easily disengage from the harmful state of constant stress. This session aims to re-engage with the calming, healing, and rejuvenating state of ‘rest & digest’. Below are four top mental health issues in the US** and the different modalities in psychotherapy and TCM that can be used to address and heal their manifestations: Anxiety & Stress Manifestations: Digestive issues (prominent in children and teens), neck and shoulder pain, increased heart rate, irritability, trouble concentrating, intrusive thoughts and memories, restlessness, insomnia Modalities used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by Acuworx: Acupuncture Cupping Tui Na Chinese herbal medicine How Lukin Center treats: We believe in creating an individualized plan for all clients experiencing anxiety and stress, which may include individual therapy, lifestyle changes, and evaluation for medications. Individual therapy will generally consist of an initial evaluation, setting structured goals, teaching skills, and exploring the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Our therapists incorporate: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) Other evidence-based treatment methods in the treatment of anxiety and stress. Depression Manifestations: Low energy, lethargy & exhaustion, poor sleep, physical pain, appetite changes, irritability, loss of interest/joy, sleep changes, trouble concentrating, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Modalities used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by Acuworx: Acupuncture Cupping Essential oils How Lukin Center treats: We use a combination of proven methods and techniques to treat clinical depression in adults, including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Family Counseling Couples Therapy Medication management CBT can be effective in helping clients recognize their own patterns and change their thinking and behaviors. Your therapist will help recommend a treatment plan that is best suited to your needs. Trauma & PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Manifestations: Severe emotional distress, physical reactions to trauma-related events, nightmares, avoidance, negative thoughts about self and the world, hopelessness, detachment, trouble sleeping, concentrating, anger, and decreased energy. Modalities used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by Acuworx: Acupuncture National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol, a standardized auricular (ear) treatment, includes but is not limited to addiction, such as the opioid epidemic, but also encompasses mental health, trauma, PTSD, chronic stress, and the symptoms associated with these conditions. How Lukin Center treats: Everyone heals from trauma at their own pace. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to react to or heal from trauma. When something scary or dangerous happens our bodies automatically react in a “fight or flight” response, which triggers a rush of chemicals that make us more alert. A part of trauma treatment is learning to cope with this “fight or flight” response in a healthy way and to teach our brains when in fact this response is required. We do this through a combination of different types of therapies, including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Medications Addiction & substance abuse Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. Manifestations: Withdrawal, depression, physical pain, urges, risky behaviors, and relationship issues. Modalities used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by Acuworx: NADA protocol Full body acupuncture Cupping How Lukin Center treats: Addiction often occurs along with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. We believe it is important to address addiction as a part of your bigger mental health picture. In psychotherapy, you will identify and treat any co-occurring conditions that contribute to your addiction issues. You will identify triggers, uncover issues or past trauma that can contribute to your addiction, and create a plan for avoiding triggers and controlling urges. Each treatment plan for addiction looks a little different and can include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Family Counseling Couples Therapy Medication management Lukin Center and Acuworx are available for complimentary consultations regarding your health and how TCM, acupuncture, psychotherapy, and mental health practices can help you. In addition to in-studio care at Acuworx, here are supplemental ways to take care of your emotional well-being at home. We suggest consulting your mental health professional if you have signs or symptoms of a mental illness. If a loved one is experiencing symptoms of mental illness, have an open and honest conversation and offer support during this time. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please contact 911, your primary care provider or call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. * National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) & National Institute of Health (NIH) ** World Health Organization, Mental Health Disorders
