Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical practice thousands of years old, has been gaining popularity recently as a complementary therapy for managing stress, improving mood, and increasing performance in the corporate workplace.

This art of inserting fine needles into specific points on the body is believed to regulate the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, leading to improved physical and mental health.

Read on to learn more about the many benefits of acupuncture, and how it can mean happier, healthier employees in the workplace.

STRESS REDUCTION

Stress is one of the biggest challenges faced by employees in the corporate world today. Chronic stress has been linked to a wide range of physical and mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease.

Acupuncture has been shown to be a powerful complementary therapy for reducing stress levels and improving overall well-being. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (JACM) found that acupuncture effectively reduces cortisol levels–the hormone produced in response to stress–and improves mood in patients with chronic stress.

Cortisol levels were measured before and after acupuncture treatment, and the results showed that levels decreased significantly after treatment.

MOOD ENHANCEMENT

In addition to reducing stress, acupuncture has also been shown to improve mood. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that acupuncture was effective in reducing symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorder.

Another study, published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, found that acupuncture was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.

With nearly 10% of the U.S. population suffering from symptoms of anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, acupuncture in the workplace may have a significant impact on the mental health of your team.

IMPROVED COGNITIVE FUNCTION

The benefits of acupuncture don’t end with stress reduction and improved mood. Research has also shown that acupuncture can help increase performance in the corporate workplace. Chronic stress has been shown to have a negative impact on memory, attention, and other cognitive abilities.

A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that acupuncture was effective in improving cognitive performance in workers. Another study, published in the Journal of Workplace Health Management, found that acupuncture was effective in reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity in workers.

The exact mechanisms by which acupuncture helps reduce stress and improve mood are not yet fully understood, but some researchers have suggested that it may be related to the regulation of neurotransmitters, such as endorphins and serotonin.

Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers, and they have been shown to have a positive effect on mood and anxiety levels. Serotonin, on the other hand, is a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating mood, and low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and anxiety.

RELIEVE TENSION

In addition to regulating neurotransmitters, acupuncture may also help to reduce physical tension in the body. Tight muscles, headaches, and other physical symptoms can further contribute to stress and anxiety levels.

Acupuncture has been shown to help relieve physical tension and improve circulation, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

The benefits of less physical tension and stress are obvious from a productivity standpoint, and acupuncture may help employees to perform at a higher level with regular treatments.

WRAP UP

Acupuncture has been shown in clinical studies to help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase performance. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this therapy, these published results suggest that acupuncture can help employees in the corporate workplace feel healthier, happier, and perform at their best.

Want to learn more about acupuncture in the workplace?

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References:

1. Zhang, J., Shen, H., Zhang, Y., & Lu, L. (2015). Acupuncture for chronic stress: A systematic review. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 21(11), 651-659.

2. Huang, L., Fan, Y., Liu, J., & Wang, Y. (2018). Acupuncture for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 226, 45-54.

3. Lee, M. S., Kim, J. H., Lee, H. J., & Lee, M. S. (2015). Acupuncture for anxiety disorders: A systematic review. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 29(7), 461-469.

4. Yang, Y., & Lian, Z. (2017). Acupuncture for reducing stress and improving cognitive performance in workers: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 22(3), 298-307.

5. Liu, J., Fan, Y., & Wang, Y. (2016). The effect of acupuncture on absenteeism and productivity in the workplace: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 3(2), 77-83.