Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety

Stress is a lived experience for many in our all-too-busy lives. Acupuncture is a transformational tool that can help manage the bodily sensations and mental activity that is so familiar in the presence of stress and anxiety.

How does acupuncture affect the body so strongly? 

Acupuncture slows down the sympathetic nervous system, the part of our brain that that is ever-alert for survival, and gives the parasympathetic nervous system dominance, the part that works on healing and repair when we sleep. The short term effects include a slower heart rate, less muscle tension, and an overall feeling of calm and well-being at the end of a treatment session. These effects become more long lasting with repeated treatments, tone the nervous system by reinforcing the natural balance between activity and rest. 

This sounds too good to be true. How does acupuncture accomplish this?

Let’s take a deeper dive:

Acupuncture modulates neuro-chemicals by stimulating the release of several key

neurotransmitters and hormones that directly affect stress and mood.

Acupuncture balances the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA) System in the brain by slowing hyperactivity, regulating cortisol levels, and reducing systemic inflammation. In short, acupuncture helps rebalance the autonomic nervous system, modulate stress hormones, and enhance mood-regulating neurotransmitters. The stress-relieving effects of acupuncture are now well supported by both clinical studies and neurobiological research. Here’s a research study that breaks this down a little more. 

To summarize:

1. Shifts the nervous system toward relaxation (parasympathetic dominance)

2. Releases endorphins and regulating serotonin, GABA, and cortisol

3. Calms overactive brain regions involved in fear and stress

4. Supports emotional balance through HPA regulation

And if reading scientific language makes your eyes glaze over, and/or you’re more of a visual learner, watch this short video of how stress affects the body instead.

There are several actionable methods that work to manage stress, but I have found that when someone is feeling very anxious, it’s not easy to pivot and downshift. Acupuncture puts you in a zone that clears the mind, and when you’re able to think more clearly, self-agency can be reclaimed.

My experience of treating patients over years of practice corresponds with excellent research that supports my observations and outcomes. If you want some examples, read through some of our Reviews.

While many studies support acupuncture’s role in stress reduction, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. If you’re considering trying acupuncture to manage stress, it’s advisable to consult with a licensed and experienced acupuncturist.