1. Using an Integrated Approach
The recommendations in this article take an integrative mental health approach, which incorporates health-promoting lifestyle changes; evidence-based integrative therapies and healing practices; and mainstream interventions, including psychosocial therapies and the judicious use of Chinese Herbs. 

The relatively new field of integrative mental health is a holistic model that provides a useful perspective on brain health and the treatment of depression and anxiety. Integrative mental health looks at the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health of the individual and uses evidence-based treatments from both traditional healing systems and modern scientific practices. 

2. Optimizing Brain Health
While depression and anxiety are usually categorized as mental illnesses, we find it more useful to think of them as disruptions in brain health, which is directly related to the physical makeup and mechanisms of the brain, as well as emotional and relational issues.

This perspective highlights the need to take care of the brain, which, like other organs in the body, is impacted by our lifestyle. As such, what we eat, how we move, and the quality of our sleep impact the functioning of our brain. In addition, how we handle stress and other emotions, the quality of our relationships, and our sense of purpose all play a role in brain/mental health.

A new concept of the brain is emerging. Instead of being a static organ that doesn’t change after adolescence, the brain is now seen as having a lifelong dynamic ability to change in response to its environment. Neuroplasticity is the term used to explain the brain’s ability to change (from small cellular changes to complete remapping) in response to new learning, experience, or injury. This new understanding underlines the importance of paying attention to our brain health and development. 

3. Recommended Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture releases tension in the muscles. This allows increased flow of blood, lymph, and nerve impulses to affected areas, decreasing the stress experienced by you (or relaxing you.)

Acupuncture also is effective in relieving the physical symptoms associated with stress-related and anxiety disorders, such as: diarrhea, headaches, heart palpitations, insomnia, nausea, neck and shoulder tension, etc. The specific course of treatment depends on the nature and severity of your symptoms. Acupuncture treatment for anxiety, for example, may last approximately ten to twelve weekly sessions.

Acupuncture and Acupressure Points
1. CV 14, CV 17, UB 15, GV I 1, GV 19, HT 5, HT 6, HT 7, HT 8
2. CV 14, UB 15, GB 19, GB 24, LiV 2, UB 58, LiV 5

For anxiety in children (Use mild pressure.):
K 1 L, UB 64, ST 36, LiV 2

For anxiety and palpitations:
PC 3, CV 14, CV 17, GV 24, LI 3, LI 4, LI 11, LiV 2, LiV 3, LiV 5, HT 5, HT 6, HT 7, K 1, K 4, LU 9