Anxiety, panic attacks and depression tend to respond well to nNEAP . One study has shown that electroacupuncture is as effective as antidepressants in treating depression – but without the side-effects (Psychiatry Clin. Neurosci (1998) Dec; 52 Suppl; S338-40).

 

Where acupuncture and nNEAP have not been particularly helpful we will often combine it with  mindbody medicine. This not counselling or 'therapy' but some simple but very powerful mind management techniques largely drawn from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. These techniques may reduce stress, improve emotional state and help restore a sense of self worth. An important part of this approach is teaching you 'cardiac coherence' a simple to learn breathing technique which has profound physiological effects leading to a reduction in the stress hormone, cortisol (Integrat Physiol & Behav Science 1998:33, 2 152-170). Cardiac coherence has been shown to help reduce blood pressure, reduce chronic pain and improve immune system markers and can usually be learned in 1 or 2 sessions.

 

Sleep disturbances and insomnia and phobias may also be treated successfully with these approaches (Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1995 May;49:119-20).