OCD

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and how can acupuncture help?

OCD is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to compulsive behaviors. Acupuncture is a practice that focuses on balancing any imbalanced conditions of specific body systems. We use specific points on the body to help the body release blockages and help return to the natural balance.

What can cause OCD?

OCD is not yet discovered as to what causes it to start. It can be genetics, brain abnormalities, and environment could play a role. It can often start in the teens or early adulthood but also in childhood. OCD affects men and women equally. Other anxiety problems, depression, eating disorders, or substance use disorders can happen with OCD.

- Family history- a parent with OCD, can increase your risk

- Childhood trauma- abuse or death of a loved one, can increase your risk

- Anxiety- people with types of anxiety disorders, can increase your risk

What are the symptoms of obsessive thoughts?

- Fear of germs or getting dirty

- Worries about getting hurt or others being hurt

- Need for things to be placed in an exact order

- Belief that certain numbers or colors are "good" or "bad"

- Constant awareness of blinking, breathing, or other body sensations

- Unfounded suspicion that a partner is unfaithful

- Repeated doubts (for example, about having turned off the stove)

- Spending long periods of time touching things or counting

- Fixation with order or symmetry

- Persistent thoughts of awful sexual acts

- Troubled by thoughts that are against personal religious beliefs

What are compulsive habits?

- Washing hands multiple times in a row

- Doing tasks in a specific order every time or a certain "good" number of times

- Repetitive checking on a locked door, light switch, and other things

- Fear of touching doorknobs, using public toilets, or shaking hands

OCD is not something that's curable. But, acupuncture can help with it.