Acupuncture and Mental Health: Seven Questions with Jenna Gill from WTHN
Ilana Pilcz, MHC
I was first introduced to acupuncture as a teenager after I was dropped on my head during an ill-timed swing dancing lift. For weeks after my head hit that concrete floor, I had a constant headache that would not respond to pain medication and I was miserable. As a last-ditch effort, my parents brought me to acupuncture and one hour later, I walked out of the office pain-free. It was like magic!
Last year I walked into WTHN and I felt that magic again when I met Jenna Gill. She and I talk endlessly about the possibilities at the intersection of acupuncture and mental health while she sticks me with needles (which I promise you, truly does not hurt!) and I wanted to share some of her beautiful brain and expertise with you!
Jenna, tell me a bit about you and what brought you to acupuncture...
I started doing acupuncture in my early 20s for mental health and digestion. I struggled with lots of depression and discomfort in my body as a teen. I tried medication at a young age, but it wasn't the best option for me. I started using holistic modalities like nutrition and western herbs to decrease my symptoms, but it wasn’t until I tried acupuncture that I noticed a huge shift. I remember feeling slight changes each session, but it wasn’t until about the 3-month mark that I noticed a profound shift. I will never forget the feeling, It was like a veil had lifted off of me and the foggy filter was gone. I finally felt it in my body and comfortable. I always looked up to my acupuncturist and told myself that one day I would learn how this medicine worked and I would help others just like she helped me.
What is the intersection between acupuncture and mental health?
Ah! I love this question, I could talk about this topic for hours. I’ll try my best to summarize. Acupuncture, which is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, addresses mental health by recognizing its interconnectedness with physical well-being. Through the regulation of Qi and blood flow via specific acupuncture points, it aims to alleviate imbalances contributing to conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress. Research indicates acupuncture's potential to modulate neurotransmitter activity and reduce stress hormones, fostering relaxation and emotional resilience. While not a standalone treatment for severe mental health issues, acupuncture complements interventions, contributing to improved mental well-being by restoring balance within the body. In TCM, the Five Spirits—Shen, Hun, Po, Yi, and Zhi—represent different facets of consciousness tied to specific organs. Each spirit influences cognition, decision-making, physical sensations, intellect, and determination. By balancing these spirits through acupuncture and other TCM modalities, practitioners strive for holistic harmony, promoting vitality across mind, body, and spirit.
What kinds of mental health concerns can acupuncture help with and how?
Acupuncture offers support for a range of mental health concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By stimulating specific acupuncture points, it regulates neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin and dopamine, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being. Acupuncture also helps alleviate physical symptoms associated with stress and anxiety by reducing muscle tension and improving sleep quality. It helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and can offer relief for individuals experiencing hyperarousal and emotional reactivity, as seen in PTSD.
Are there acupressure points that can help with something like a panic attack, anxiety, or depression in between sessions?
There are several acupressure points that may help alleviate these symptoms. These points can be stimulated by applying firm (but not massage-like) pressure with the fingertips or by using acupressure tools. It's essential to listen to your body's response when applying pressure to these points. The locations for these points are very specific so usually what I do is show the patient the point but then write them down and tell them to search (___ acupuncture point location) if they forget where it is. Here are some points that can help: PC6, HT7, CV17, DU20, Yintang, and LV3.
How can acupuncture and therapy enhance each other for better client outcomes?
It’s a dream of mine to work in a practice where these two modalities work together! I think it’s the best combo. Although I’ve never had them done at the same time (yet) I think it would be magical. Acupuncture can enhance therapy by promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and nurturing emotional balance. This would facilitate greater openness and receptivity in therapy sessions. By incorporating acupuncture before or during therapy, individuals can experience heightened relaxation, easing physical tension and mental stress, which in turn assist in deeper engagement in therapy. Acupuncture's holistic approach encourages individuals to connect with their bodies and emotions, developing a supportive environment for self-reflection and exploration within therapy. Ultimately, the integration of acupuncture with talk therapy creates an internal environment that is so helpful to personal growth, insight, and emotional processing.
I know you have created an amazing product because I use it daily! Tell our readers more about it and how it can be used for wellness...
I’m so glad you love my product! Healing Feels transdermal magnesium is a topical used to relax tense muscles, promote deeper sleep and in turn relax the nervous system. The main ingredient in this oil is magnesium chloride. Magnesium chloride can be effectively absorbed through the skin, bypassing the digestive system, and allowing for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. This unique delivery method ensures maximum bioavailability, providing the body with a potent dose of magnesium to support overall health and well-being. Additionally, our two different blends both incorporate oils specifically chosen for their anti-inflammatory, relaxing, and circulation-boosting properties, which enhance the overall effectiveness of the product. Whether you're dealing with muscle soreness from exercise, tension headaches, or everyday stress, applying this topical oil can help ease muscle tension and promote a sense of calmness. I developed this blend out of a personal need for a product that combines magnesium with other beneficial oils for optimal absorption, and I'm so happy to share it with all of my patients.
Anything else important to understand about the connection between mental health and acupuncture?
It’s important to understand that acupuncture is personalized and focuses on addressing root causes. Even if multiple individuals are seeking treatment for anxiety, and the cases present similarly, each person's root cause is entirely unique. For instance, one person's anxiety might stem from liver energetic imbalances, while another could be due to kidney energy deficiencies. Acupuncturists tailor treatments based on individual assessments to address these root causes directly. By targeting the root causes of anxiety, rather than just alleviating symptoms, acupuncture promotes long-term balance and well-being for individuals seeking relief from anxiety and other health concerns.