20/11/2025
Understanding your anxiety. The acupuncture edition
In my clinic anxiety isn’t the same for everyone. In general actually TCM and acupuncturists treat anxiety as a symptom pattern involving different organs that are out of balance. We identify symptom patterns to find the root imbalance to calm the nervous system.
These are the three most common anxiety patterns:
Spleen Qi Deficiency (The Worry type): Often involves constant overthinking, rumination, feeling mentally drained, poor digestion, and fatigue. We will focus on mind gut relation and strengthening the Spleen qi.
Heart Qi Deficiency (The Palpitations type): Characterized by nervousness, insomnia, easily startled, and heart palpitations. The heart qi is deficient and sometimes scattered. We work to calm the Heart and the Shen (Spirit).
Kidney Yin Deficiency (The Burnout type): Anxiety that comes with deep exhaustion caused by work, restlessness, tensed muscles or muscle pain, and night sweats. We focus on nourishing the Kidney yin.
Besides these there is anxiety related to heart fire and liver and some combinations of them. The one related to heart fire and liver often comes with emotions like frustration and anger.
Acupuncture is always a complementary therapy. But can be in many cases very effective. Even though I was trained in psychology. Always check with your primary therapist.
Did this help you to recognize your pattern of anxiety? Let me know in the comments.
x Kim
PS: Don’t forget to book your acupuncture session or a introduction call at www.acupuncturbykim.nl
