Integrative Psychiatry with Acupuncture at Synergy Strive

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At Synergy Strive, we integrate acupuncture with psychiatric care to provide a holistic approach that addresses both physical and mental health needs. Acupuncture offers a natural way to manage medication side effects, support brain processes tied to stress and anxiety, aid pain management, and balance the limbic system, which is essential for individuals suffering from PTSD and other mental health conditions. This complementary approach is designed to enhance traditional psychiatric treatments, providing well-rounded, patient-centered care.

Dr. Caleb Lee, an experienced provider, combines acupuncture with conventional psychiatric treatments like psychotherapy and medication management for patients interested in a more comprehensive approach. To schedule a consultation, please call 410-988-2503.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Eastern medicine practice that involves placing thin, sterile needles at specific body points, known as acupoints, to support the body’s natural healing process. These acupoints lie along meridians, channels that are believed to carry the body’s vital energy. By stimulating these points, acupuncture works to restore energy balance, which can reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and address a range of physical and mental health conditions.

Research suggests that acupuncture can stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, increase blood flow, and release endorphins to promote relaxation. Due to these effects, acupuncture has become a trusted option for treating chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, migraines, digestive issues, and various women’s health concerns. It is often used both as a standalone treatment and as a complement to traditional medical care to enhance overall wellness.

Preparing for Your First Acupuncture Appointment

To help you prepare for your first acupuncture session and maximize its benefits, here are some tips to ensure a positive experience:

  • Eat a Light Meal: A small meal or snack an hour or two before your appointment stabilizes blood sugar and helps prevent lightheadedness.
  • Wear Comfortable Clothing: Loose clothing allows easy access to commonly treated areas like arms, legs, and abdomen.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking water before and after your session can support circulation and promote detoxification.
  • Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Reducing caffeine helps you relax, while avoiding alcohol ensures clear feedback during your session.
  • Arrive Early: Coming 10–15 minutes early helps you settle in, complete paperwork, and reduce stress.
  • Communicate with Your Practitioner: Share current symptoms, health history, and specific treatment goals to receive tailored care.
  • Set Aside Time for Rest: Acupuncture can be deeply relaxing, so a calm period afterward can help absorb its full benefits.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are FDA-regulated and minimally invasive. Most patients feel a mild, dull sensation or ache upon insertion, which quickly fades as energy starts to flow. While some practitioners may use heated or electrical stimulation, treatments generally last 30–60 minutes and are often pain-free.

Benefits of Acupuncture in Psychiatry

Acupuncture offers a unique, effective approach to psychiatric care, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances that affect mental health. By targeting specific points, acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, serotonin, and other natural chemicals that help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. This holistic option benefits patients seeking alternatives to medication, improving mood, enhancing relaxation, and supporting overall well-being.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders

Acupuncture can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety, depression, and mood disorders by balancing energy flow and stimulating “feel-good” neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. For those with anxiety, acupuncture promotes deep relaxation, helping reduce stress and calm the nervous system. In cases of depression, it restores energy balance, elevates mood, and relieves fatigue, while for mood disorders, it stabilizes emotions, enhancing resilience to stress and improving mental clarity. By incorporating acupuncture into a treatment plan, patients can experience improved therapeutic outcomes, providing a holistic approach to mental wellness.

The Role of Acupuncture in Pain Management

As a drug-free option for managing acute and chronic pain, acupuncture stimulates specific body points to release endorphins and other natural pain relievers. It boosts blood flow, reduces inflammation, and enhances the body’s natural healing response. Acupuncture can target pain from conditions like back pain, arthritis, migraines, and nerve issues, making it adaptable to individual needs. For those seeking medication alternatives, acupuncture offers a holistic approach that treats not only symptoms but underlying imbalances, providing long-term relief and an improved quality of life.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Findings on Acupuncture

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) acknowledges acupuncture’s benefits based on clinical research for a variety of conditions. Below are some key areas where acupuncture has shown significant therapeutic value:

Pain Relief

  • Chronic low back pain
  • Osteoarthritis (especially knee pain)
  • Neck pain
  • Migraine and tension headaches
  • TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain
  • Postoperative and dental pain

Mental Health Support

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia

Digestive and Gastrointestinal Conditions

  • Chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting
  • Morning sickness during pregnancy
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and GI distress

Respiratory Health

  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
  • Asthma

Women’s Health

  • Menstrual cramps
  • Menopause-related symptoms like hot flashes

The NIH supports acupuncture as a complementary therapy, acknowledging its potential to improve quality of life, reduce medication dependence, and promote natural healing through the body’s own mechanisms.

For further reading, here are some helpful resources:

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact Synergy Strive at 410-988-2503. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to better health with the integrative benefits of acupuncture and psychiatric care.

Out-of-Pocket Fees:

  • Initial Consult: $ 160
  • Follow up visit fee $90

Bulk Pricing:

  • Price for 10 individual sessions and consult 15% off $901.00
  • Five visits After Consult 15% off $442
  • Carefirst Accepted
  • Medicare Accepted for lower back pain