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“Can acupuncture help with a broken heart?” is a common question we get asked at AcuCare Clinic. 

The answer is Yes. 

The emotional distress of losing a loved one can trigger “Broken Heart Syndrome”. This is a recognised medical condition that disproportionately affects women and can be fatal. A broken heart really is an event where the heart ceases to function normally and is prone to heart rhythm abnormalities. A surge of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, cause arteries to seize, limiting blood flow to the heart. The experience and diagnosis is often confused with a heart attack. It can strike anyone, even those in good health with no previous heart problems.

It’s surprising how difficult breakups can be. Of course it’s an experience that is very unique to everyone, but it is not uncommon to have moments of all-encompassing emotion and despair that can be really difficult to contain. It can be a very scary experience and cause difficult questions like “Who am I?” to come to the surface. It’s all very complicated and extremely exhausting.

Signs and Symptoms that you may experience when going through a breakup or grievance:

• overwhelming sadness
• anger
• triggering of past trauma
• feeling alone
• intense emotion that takes a lot of energy
• insomnia
• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating
• low immune function
• indigestion and/or abdominal pain
• chest pain or discomfort
• restlessness
• racing thoughts
• change in appetite 

So how can acupuncture help?

We know that acupuncture activates our parasympathetic nervous system (the part of our nervous system responsible for feeling relaxed) and that it’s been shown to increase those “feel-good” hormones called endorphins, which are known to improve mood and decrease perception of pain.

Patients report that after having our bespoke Heartbreak Prescription they feel more balanced, grounded, in control and more themselves. 

I am in an unhappy relationship and I am planning a break up but don’t have the guts to do so. Can acupuncture help at this stage?

Yes! We would ask to see both partners initially as acupuncture can help with improving relationships. But if you have made your decision then yes we can help prevent a heart break.

We really hope you don’t need treatment for heartbreak, but if you do, we’re here for you.

Please read our article as featured in the Health and Fitness magazine 

To find out more on how we can help please contact us