Acupuncture & Counselling: A Holistic Partnership for Mental Health

When we think about mental health support, counselling often comes to mind first. But what if there was a complementary approach that could enhance the therapeutic process by working directly with the body's nervous system? Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, offers a unique bridge between physical and emotional healing—making it a powerful ally for counsellors and their clients.

Fatima Hozouri, a Registered Acupuncturist and Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, brings specialized expertise to this integration. As a Certified Balance Method Acupuncturist currently enrolled in an 18-month fellowship program focusing on psycho-emotional disorders, Fatima understands how to address mental health from a somatic perspective.

Beyond Pain Relief: How Acupuncture Supports Mental Health

While many people associate acupuncture with pain management, its impact on mental and emotional well-being is equally profound. Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, shifting the body from a sympathetic (stress) state to a parasympathetic (rest) state. When the vagus nerve is calm and the nervous system moves out of "fight or flight" response, everything from sleep and digestion to emotional processing and hormone regulation can improve. This increased nervous system regulation also builds resilience, helping people respond to everyday stressors with greater ease rather than heightened reactivity.

The Mind-Body Connection in Practice

Fatima's approach recognizes that emotional dysregulation often manifests as physical symptoms. A person may seek help from various therapists or modalities and experience temporary relief, but until their emotional system is balanced, physical issues often return.

She shares the example of a patient with chronic acid reflux who found lasting relief through acupuncture. After treatment, the patient was able to travel internationally and enjoy all the local foods without any pain or digestive interruption. Fatima attributes this improvement to nervous system regulation and the resolution of underlying emotional and trauma-related issues that had been contributing to the physical symptoms.

Working Through Layers of Healing

Fatima's treatment approach involves addressing symptoms in layers. She explains that a person dealing with unresolved trauma may initially appear quick-tempered or overly reactive. If these emotions remain unbalanced, they might develop into chronic irritability or persistent low mood. Over time, this emotional state can evolve into mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Eventually, if still left unaddressed, these unresolved emotions can manifest as physical problems in the body, such as chronic pain or illness.

Meeting Clients Where They Are

Living in our fast-paced world means that sometimes trauma or difficult emotions must be "put on the back burner" while people manage immediate demands. Fatima uses a flexible, client-centered approach for those who may not be ready to fully engage in deep healing work. She focuses on meeting clients where they are, addressing immediate concerns first, and gradually working toward deeper issues as readiness increases.

Importantly, Fatima emphasizes that if a client has the physical, mental, and financial capacity along with a healthy support system, unprocessed emotions can be resolved and released. However, if someone doesn't have these resources available, acupuncture can help the body safely hold those emotions without escalating physical or mental health costs. She highlights that releasing emotions without adequate support system, which can include a counsellor, can lead to instability and even chaos—making timing and readiness crucial considerations.

The Power of Collaborative Care

A collaborative, holistic approach between healthcare professionals leads to more effective and sustainable outcomes. As Fatima notes, someone's healing journey will be shorter and easier if they are sleeping well, their digestive system is functioning optimally, and their hormones are stable. When counsellors and acupuncturists work together, clients benefit from both the psychological processing that happens in therapy and the physiological regulation that acupuncture provides.

To learn more about Fatima Hozouri, R.Ac, DTCM, BSc, or to book a session with her, please visit www.serenityhealthclinic.com.