What is OCD?

OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder, is one of the most common mental health disorders. A lot of us have low levels of OCD about certain things, which is completely normal. When one suffers from serious OCD, it can greatly impede on their quality of living and everyday activities.

OCD is characterized as an anxiety disorder and involves irrational repeatedness. For example, someone with OCD may check on things or perform tasks repeatedly, causing distress and getting in the way of everyday tasks. Another common behaviour is cleaning obsessively and being irrationally afraid of germs.

Can acupuncture help with OCD? What does the research say?

A study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies in 2013 found that students were less likely to feel anxiety and OCD related symptoms after having a 20-minute acupuncture treatment. Researchers at Georgetown University found that acupuncture can reduce the body’s production of stress hormones, which then can lower symptoms of OCD or compulsive behavior that is caused from stress. Acupuncture offers almost no side effects compared to prescription medication and other forms of treatment for OCD and anxiety.