Treating phobias with acupuncture: does it make any sense?

Many people may find it very difficult to believe that some believe that acupuncture can help treat phobias. This article investigates whether it makes any sense to use acupuncture for phobias. First, let’s compare the difference between a phobia and a fear.

Definition of phobia

Originating from the Greek word Ph & oacute; bos, which means fear or morbid fear, a phobia falls within the realm of anxiety disorders and is different from a fear. A phobia is an irrational fear and is defined as:

"the manifestation of intense fears towards specific situations and objects, which in reality, produces little or no threat."

Definition of fear

Fear, on the other hand, is built into our natural survival response and linked to the fight or flight response. All humans and animals possess this instinct and it is crucial when it comes to potential danger. It can help us escape or fight the danger that exists in our current reality.

The brain plays a leading role

So fear is based on reality, while a phobia is based only on the perception of the person. There are many phobias that are commonly had among numerous people and there are also many different genres of phobias. Phobias can be social or specific. However, like other types of anxiety and fear, we know that there are several parts of the person’s brain that play a key role in the production of phobias, anxieties and fears.

Scientists study this leading role to understand how phobias and anxieties are created by the brain, so that they can be treated, as well as to learn about the generation of new cells during the life of a human being. Then it might be possible to stimulate the growth of new neurons in people with certain conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Amygdala and phobias

As part of the limbic system, the amygdala is shaped like an almond and is located deep in the brain. It is believed to process and interpret incoming signals, trigger anxiety and fear responses in the rest of the brain, and store emotional memories. Hence, it is currently believed to play a role in phobias such as spiders and flight.

Hippocampus and phobias

It is the hippocampus that has the function of encoding threatening events in memories. Some studies have shown that the size of the hippocampus is smaller in those who served in violent combat, as well as in victims of child abuse.

Acupuncture and the brain

Since the brain plays an important role in creating phobias and other types of anxiety disorders, if acupuncture cannot treat the brain, how could it have a real effect on a phobia?

Acupuncture can treat the brain as acupuncture points related to the brain are found on the human body. So in other words, without taking any medication, acupuncture can stimulate a reaction in the relevant parts of the brain to start the healing process.

Acupuncture is believed to have a positive effect on brain chemistry. At the beginning of a treatment, the needles stimulate blood flow locally, which has the effect of increasing both nutrients and immune cells. Endorphins are also released during acupuncture.

Treatment will generally strengthen the nervous system, as well as the immune and hormonal systems. It will bring the whole system back to a more balanced and healthy state.

Experienced qualified acupuncturists will take the time to diagnose their patients using a variety of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) diagnostic tools and during this time will consider other relevant needle acupoints. The root cause of the phobia plus any other side effects will be addressed.