Depression is one of the most common mood disorders in America, affecting roughly 20% of the population. Factors such as heredity, stress, low self-esteem, medical illness and hormonal changes can all aggravate or lead to a depressive illness.

Anxiety is another common disorder. Everyone suffers from anxiety at some point in their life. However, when it interferes with normal activities, treatment may be advisable. Anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, phobias and generalized anxiety disorders hamper the quality of life for many people.

Many people feel a combination of anxiety and depression. This manifests itself in symptoms of poor sleeping habits, anxiety, worry, body aches, stomach ailments, lethargy, difficulty making decisions or focusing, feeling restless and "shaky" at night.

Chinese medical theories state that depression and anxiety are often the result of an imbalance or blockage in the body’s meridian system. The "Meridians" are energy lines that circulate the "life force", or Qi (pronounced chee), throughout the body. They can be thought of as an energy grid through which all life derives its power. If the Qi is not balanced anxiety/depression and illness can occur. Things that can cause Qi to become unbalanced are poor diet, physical and emotional trauma and physical and emotional stress.  Among the five kind of inner organ Qi, Heart Qi and Liver Qi are predominantly impacted and lost harmonies.  Treatments are mainly focused on those two meridians and soothing or balancing that Qi's flow.

At Authentic Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine, anxiety and depression are treated with a combination of acupuncture and herbal therapy that will bring the Qi back into balance. This treatment methodology is highly successful at reducing or eliminating anxiety and depression.