There are may retirees who move to the sunny state of Arizona.
With the onset of the aging process, many older people are at risk of becoming depressed.
Often they are isolated from their families and they may also be dealing with a number of health issues.
Acupuncture may seem to be an unlikely treatment for depression and anxiety, but researchers have found that regular acupuncture treatments may alleviate anxiety and depression as well as use of some anti-depressant medications.
The main treatment objectives of acupuncture are the treatment of diseases, pain relief and the re-establishment of vibrant health.
Many researchers are now leaning toward the theory that depression is physiological and not psychological.
Depression and anxiety often occur when the body lacks the necessary nutrients and vitamins for the mind and body to function well.
When these physiological needs are met, many people who are suffering from depression are relieved of their symptoms and have a dramatic increase in their sense of well-being.
Acupuncture has been found to help re-balance the body's biochemistry, which, in turn, relieves anxiety and depression.
It is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that uses the insertion of very fine needles into nerve points along the meridian lines of the body.
The acupuncture needles stimulate nerve endings to send the right signals to their corresponding body parts.
The result of this stimulation is the active production of bio-chemicals at exactly the right levels.
With regular visits to an acupuncturist, it is possible for a patient to no longer need anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication.
Adjunct therapies to treating depression and anxiety range from having a healthy diet to getting enough exercise and adequate amounts of sleep.
Sunshine, which is abundant in Arizona, is also very beneficial in boosting serotonin levels.
This helps to re-balance brain chemistry and ease depressive symptoms.
For retirees, it is also important to maintain their social connections and have a sense of purpose to their days.
A good way to do this is for a retiree to volunteer a few hours or days a week in order to stay connected socially and experience a sense of accomplishment.
There are a number of schools that are accredited and offer training in acupuncture in Arizona.
Before enrolling in an acupuncture school, it is important to make sure it is properly accredited.
Studying acupuncture in Arizona will enable the practitioner to help many patients with a variety of ailments.
Because of the high percentage of retirees in Arizona, treating anxiety and depression through natural means is a specialty in high demand.