PSYCH X TCM
Anxiety Programme
Alleviate anxiety without side effects
PULSE+ is at the forefront of integration of East and West medicine approaches, with the focus on helping clients achieve natural, holistic healing. You thus have the option of adding on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to complement our psychologist services.
TCM treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medication have been long used in China for mental health concerns. Research evidence from clinical trials has also supported TCM treatments to be as effective as western medication in reducing symptoms of anxiety, but without the unpleasant side effects that antidepressants and anxiety medications usually come with.
Benefits
Psychotherapy is the medical ‘gold standard’ treatment for anxiety. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in particular is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety as backed by research and medical authorities.
TCM treatments such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medication have been supported by research as effective in reducing anxiety symptoms without causing adverse side effects such as in Western anxiety medications.
How TCM Can Help with Anxiety
For information on how psychotherapy can help with anxiety, please visit our main anxiety page.
Acupuncture
Anxiety and stress causes energy blockages within the meridians of the body (energy channels) as well as muscle tension.
By targeting specific acupuncture points related to emotions and relaxation, acupuncture can help to reduce anxiety by:
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is another common TCM treatment for anxiety. TCM physicians would prescribe specific herbal formulas (combination of multiple herbs) tailored to each patient’s symptoms and patterns of imbalances.
CMH can also help with anxiety by:
Price
PSYCH X TCM Trial Bundle
- Prices are exclusive of GST.
- Only applicable for first-timers to the programme.
- To enjoy this trial price, please notify our clinic that you are coming for a trial session upon registration. Otherwise regular pricing will apply.
- If acupuncture treatment is chosen as part of the package, additional charges would apply to herbal medication prescription or other additional treatments.
- Note that more than one TCM/Psychologist session is usually needed to adequately resolve the presenting issue (see FAQ). A-la carte pricing for TCM & Psychologist would apply for subsequent sessions.
- Discounted credit packages are available in-clinic. Consult with your physician to find one that suits your needs.
For questions about the programme, please contact psychologist@pulsegroup.health or 9831 9912 (Whatsapp)
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Book appointment
FAQ
To book an appointment, complete the Appointment booking form above. Our team will get in touch with you to schedule your appointment with our psychologist and/or a TCM physician at your preferred clinic location.
As our psychologist and TCM physicians are based in different clinics, your psychotherapy and TCM sessions will be conducted in separate visits.
TCM Sessions
Each standard session consists of a consultation with our TCM physician and an acupuncture treatment (can be substituted with Chinese Herbal Medicine prescription) . Additional treatments or herbal prescriptions may be recommended. (Duration: 45 – 60 mins).
TCM sessions can be conducted at PULSE TCM clinics islandwide.
Psychotherapy Sessions
The psychotherapy sessions (Duration: 60 mins) are conducted at PULSE Allied Health clinic at Camden Medical Centre (by Orchard Blvd MRT), where our psychologist is based.
The number of sessions needed would vary person-to-person as it depends on many factors; from the severity of the presenting condition to external factors that can also affect the condition (e.g. lifestyle, stress level, etc).
Below is a general guide. Note that some people may need less or more.
TCM
- 5-10 sessions
- Once weekly (twice for serious conditions)
Psychologist
- 4-8 sessions
- Once weekly, fornightly at later stages
In general, patients with simple, mild conditions would require less frequent and fewer sessions. Those with more complex conditions with additional contributing factors (e.g. a highly stressful job or lifestyle, psychological factors) will require more frequent visits and a longer duration of treatment.
Yes, you can choose to consult just a TCM physician or our Psychologist. On the appointment booking form, simply follow the booking process for either clinician rather than selecting the option for both.
However, please be aware that we would still highly recommend combining both clinicians for faster symptom relief and the most effective overall results.
More complex insomnia that involve psychological and behavioural components (e.g. sleep anxiety, poor sleep habits) may not be fully resolved from TCM treatments alone and can especially benefit from psychotherapy to help make the necessary changes.
Because our psychologist and TCM physicians are based at separate clinics, this may not be possible. We can try to arrange the sessions on the same day but they will be at different locations.
TCM physicians and psychologists commonly see patients with comorbid conditions. They would be able to tailor the treatment accordingly. Our psychologist can also additionally help non-mental health issues such as relationship and self-esteem issues.
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, and most patients do not find acupuncture to be painful. Many actually find the process calming or it is common to fall asleep during treatment.
However, if you still do not wish to undergo acupuncture simply inform your physician. He or she will use other TCM treatments instead such as Chinese Herbal Medication; which is just as effective; or cupping therapy and moxibustion
Acupuncture and CHM have often been used in conjunction with prescription sleeping pills and psychiatric medications (antidepressants, anxiolytics). For CHM, it is recommended to be taken two hours apart from other medications. However, do also check first with your prescribing physician on this.
Have more questions?
Visit our AskPULSE portal to ask our PULSE+ Allied Health specialists or PULSE TCM Physicians any questions about your health or our services.