Acupuncture for Mental Health
Types of Mental Health Conditions we Treat
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Insomnia
Mood disorders
Panic Attacks
Premenstrual Dysphoria Disorder 9PMDD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Stress-related disorders
Substance use disorders (including alcohol, tobacco, and drug dependence)
The Benefits of Acupuncture for Mental Health
For thousands of years, acupuncture has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including mental health conditions. Our treatments can provide effective relief from common mental health issues while enhancing overall well-being by targeting specific acupuncture points. Acupuncture offers the following benefits for mental health support:
Lowers Stress and Cortisol Levels
Acupuncture is highly effective in lowering stress and cortisol levels by modulating the body's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which helps regulate the stress response and reduce circulating cortisol hormones. This ancient practice promotes a shift from the sympathetic "fight or flight" state to a parasympathetic "rest and digest" mode, leading to decreased physiological stress markers like heart rate and inflammation. Numerous studies have shown that regular acupuncture sessions can reduce cortisol by up to 30%, providing natural relief for those experiencing chronic stress and improving mental clarity and energy.
Boosts Serotonin and Endorphin Levels
Acupuncture boosts serotonin and endorphin levels by stimulating the release of these key neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord, which are essential for mood stabilization and pain relief. This process helps counteract feelings of low mood and enhances overall emotional well-being without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. Clinical evidence indicates that acupuncture induces production of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, leading to improved happiness and reduced depressive symptoms, particularly beneficial for individuals seeking holistic support in mental health management.
Relaxation and Calms the Nervous System
By targeting key acupuncture points, this therapy promotes deep relaxation and calms the nervous system through enhanced vagus nerve activity and regulation of the autonomic nervous system, fostering a profound sense of tranquility. It helps alleviate tension built up from daily pressures, encouraging the body to enter a restorative state that combats anxiety and burnout. Research supports its role in activating the body's natural relaxation response, with patients often reporting immediate feelings of calm and reduced muscle tightness after treatments, making it a valuable tool for ongoing mental health maintenance.
Increases Emotional Resilience
This therapeutic approach increases emotional resilience by balancing the body's energy flow and strengthening the stress response system, enabling individuals to better cope with life's challenges and recover from setbacks more quickly. It fosters greater emotional stability and adaptability, reducing vulnerability to stressors over time. Studies highlight acupuncture's ability to enhance vagus nerve function and lower chronic stress indicators, resulting in improved psychological fortitude and a more positive outlook, ideal for those building long-term mental health strategies.
How We Achieve Our Results
Personalized Care
At The Subtle Point, we know that every individual's mental health experience is truly unique. That's why our customized acupuncture treatments are crafted to precisely meet your personal needs and goals. By addressing both the physical and emotional dimensions of these challenges, we deliver enduring relief and a renewed sense of overall wellness that empowers your daily life.
Patient Support
A strong support system is essential to your journey in managing mental health conditions. We are always available to guide you, answer your questions, and alleviate any concerns throughout your acupuncture treatments. We cultivate a nurturing, compassionate environment that empowers you to achieve lasting relief and greater well-being with renewed confidence and clarity.
Dietary Advice
We provide tailored wellness guidance to help you achieve lasting relief from mental health challenges. This includes creating a sustainable plan that supports overall balance and trigger management through smart choices like incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, encouraging proper hydration, identifying potential food sensitivities, eliminating common triggers like caffeine and processed items, and recommending beneficial supplements.
Lifestyle Modifications
We understand that daily habits play a significant role in managing mental health conditions. We can help you to identify and refine lifestyle factors that may be triggering or worsening your symptoms. Even small adjustments can yield remarkable results, such as practicing mindfulness exercises to ease stress and prevent tension buildup, trying deep breathing techniques for quick relaxation and pain reduction, finding more ways to incorporate self-care outside of these treatments, and adding moderate physical activity to enhance circulation and boost natural endorphins.
Book Your Appointment
What to Expect During your First Acupuncture treatment for Mental Health
Health Assessment
During your initial visit at The Subtle Point, we will go over your chief concerns, medical history, lifestyle routines, and your health goals. Next, they'll conduct a detailed examination of your pulse and tongue, along with targeted questions to uncover any subtle imbalances in your body. Drawing from all this insight, they'll deliver a precise diagnosis and craft a personalized treatment plan designed just for you.
Acupuncture
During your acupuncture session, you'll get comfortable on a treatment table. The practitioner will gently insert thin, sterile needles into specific points on your body to help ease mental health concerns. You might feel a quick pinch when the needles go in, but it's usually painless and even relaxing. Then, just lie back for 20 to 30 minutes while the treatment does its thing. Almost all patients will leave the clinic feeling very relaxed.
Aftercare and Follow-ups
After your acupuncture session for mental health conditions, your practitioner will provide personalized aftercare advice, including suggestions for lifestyle adjustments, dietary tweaks, and easy at-home practices to help maintain and enhance the benefits. We will discuss a recommended follow-up schedule tailored to your specific needs and condition, typically suggesting an average of around 5-10 treatments. Subsequent visits will be adjusted based on your treatment goals, how well you're responding, and your overall progress toward relief.
Over 450 5 Star Online Reviews
87 Five Star Reviews
If you’ve found your way here just go ahead make that first reservation, you won’t regret it. I have been seeing Michael for over a year now, first for my anxiety and PTSD and then for continued gut health issues. Now I regularly see him for both acupuncture and cupping to help maintain my mental and physical wellness. He really tries to find the root cause, has many recommendations, and talks through the treatment with you. I often show up a stressed out, anxious, and in pain mess and leave feeling incredible relaxed.
—Liz Solorio
247 Five Star Reviews
Michael was very knowledgeable and professional. It was a very nice experience. We discussed regarding healthy food I am eating He recommended some food to try to help me with my weight and stress. It was a very productive discussion about stress, food. He also told me about cupping and what he’s doing next and if I was comfortable. I really recommend him.
—Mitsuko
121 Five Star Reviews
“Mike is so thorough and knowledgeable. Best acupuncture experience I have ever had. I will definitely be going back!”
“The owner Michael was super nice and very knowledgeable! I had a great experience!”
“This is the first time I’ve ever had acupuncture and cupping, and it was great. Definitely recommend.”
Our Prices
Initial Treatment
$100
Your first visit combines assessment and treatment in a comprehensive 60-minute session.
Basic Follow-up Treatment
$60
A basic follow-up treatment is 30 minutes long and the treatment will only address your headaches & migraines
Advanced Follow-Up Treatments
$95 - $130
Advanced follow-up treatments are 60 or 90 minutes long. During these treatments a patient can opt to work on multiple issues, have extra needle time, incorporate tuina massage or cupping, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Acupuncture employs needles that are substantially smaller than those used by doctors for injections. The sensation has been compared to an insect bite or a pinch, however most people do not experience anything at all. Certain points can be painful to needle, and we aim to avoid them unless they are absolutely essential. If they are, we usually use thinner needles for those points. If you are sensitive to needles, we will modify your therapy so that you can reach your health goals while remaining comfortable.
-
The number of acupuncture treatments required to effectively address mental health conditions can vary widely depending on factors such as the specific condition (e.g., anxiety, depression, or insomnia), its severity, duration, and your individual response to therapy. Based on clinical guidelines and research, a typical course often involves an average of around 5-10 regular sessions, usually scheduled 1-2 times per week, to achieve noticeable improvements in symptoms like mood regulation and stress reduction. In rare or more chronic cases, this may extend to 15-20 treatments for more substantial, lasting relief, with maintenance sessions potentially recommended thereafter every few weeks or months. It's important to note that deep relaxation can be felt during and after most acupuncture sessions, as the therapy promotes a calming effect on the nervous system, enhancing overall emotional well-being.
-
At The Subtle Point, we provide a range of services that can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. Initial appointments, on the other hand, last 60 to 90 minutes. Usually acupuncture treatments for mental health issues only require 30 minute sessions.
-
In most cases you will not have to disrobe. The areas that will be needled will be on your arms, legs, head, and the abdomen. However, in some cases the upper or lower back, shoulders, neck, or hips will need to get needled, massaged, or cupped to alleviate the physical areas of stored stress and emotions
-
-
We accept cash, check, and credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover).
-
At this time we are not accepting insurance, but we can give you an invoice/superbill to give to your insurance company for reimbursement.