So, can Acupuncture help with OCD? Multiple studies indicate that Acupuncture may help with OCD, particularly when used in conjunction with other treatments such as Psychotherapy and medication. These studies suggest that Acupuncture may work quicker than Western treatments alone, and could be a good alternative for patients that need to reduce or cut out medication.
Read on to learn more about the relationship between Acupuncture and OCD.
Is Acupuncture Beneficial for OCD?
A number of studies have concluded that Acupuncture is beneficial for OCD, particularly when used in conjunction with other therapies, such as Psychotherapy. These studies found that Acupuncture can help to lower stress and anxiety levels, both of which can cause or trigger OCD. In one study, researchers found that Acupuncture may even slow down the production of stress hormones.
According to a leading researcher of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, depending on where the Acupuncture needles are placed, this causes the nervous system to stimulate the part of the brain that controls emotion. Thus, making Acupuncture an effective treatment for OCD.
What’s more, it is thought that Acupuncture for OCD may work faster (1, 2) than with traditional methods, such as Psychotherapy, alone. In fact, clients often report seeing results after just a few Acupuncture sessions, with results improving with ongoing treatment.
Further to this, Acupuncture has been found to be particularly useful in OCD patients that, for one reason or another, wish to reduce or altogether stop taking drugs as OCD treatment due to severe side effects.
Benefits of Acupuncture for OCD
Multiple studies have reported Acupuncture for OCD to be beneficial, particularly in comparison with traditional Western treatments; here a few reasons why:
Low Side Effects
In comparison to more traditional Western treatments for OCD, such as medication, Acupuncture has relatively low side effects. Side effects to Acupuncture are rare, and when they do occur tend to be mild, self-correcting and short-lived. This may include:
- Bruising, soreness and bleeding at the needle site
- Feeling faint or dizzy after treatment
However, there are a few contraindications to Acupuncture where such patients should avoid treatment as side effects may be more severe than usual. For example:
- Pregnancy (unless approved by their primary Doctor)
- Spinal instability
- Needling on scars, keloid, recent wounds or skin with sensory deficit
- Blood disorders
- Patients with pacemakers
Learn more about the safety of Acupuncture and its contraindications in our blog, Is Acupuncture Safe?
Quicker than Western Medicine
Studies have shown that Acupuncture for OCD may offer quicker treatment with fewer side effects than more traditional Western medicine alone. However, it is thought to be more effective when used in conjunction with other treatments, such as medication and/or Psychotherapy.
Reduction in Stress Hormones
A study from Georgetown University in the US found that Acupuncture can reduce the production of stress hormones. This is particularly beneficial for OCD patients as it can lower the symptoms of OCD, thus making the condition more manageable.
