Acupuncture for Stress & Anxiety Relief

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles on specific points along meridians (energy pathways) to help the body restore balance. It is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory that qi (energy), flows throughout the body and any imbalance may cause disease and illness. Practitioners look at the body holistically and takes all symptoms into consideration when determining the root of a condition.

How Does Stress Affect Our Body?

When the body is stressed, it releases hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) to manage the stress. Stress can affect all aspects of the body including muscles, heart, and digestion. When unmanaged, chronic stress can lead to muscle tension and related pain, increased risk for heart disease, and prolonged digestive discomfort especially in people with chronic bowel disorders.

How Can Acupuncture Help Reduce Stress?

According to TCM theory, stress occurs when the free flow of qi is blocked. A review of twenty randomized controlled trials showed that acupuncture was effective in treating anxiety symptoms in the early stages, specifically within the first six weeks, before the effects of anti-anxiety medication and other interventions typically take hold. Acupuncture may increase the release of feel-good hormones and reduce cortisol levels in the body. In addition, the treatment itself offers a relaxing atmosphere with minimal side effects.

How Can I Get Started?

Speak to your healthcare provider to determine if acupuncture for stress and anxiety is right for you. To find a qualified licensed acupuncturist near you, you can check for board certification on the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine’s online directory. You may also verify an acupuncturist’s license information with your state’s licensing agency.

References

American Psychological Association. (2023, March 8). Stress effects on the body. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. (n.d.). Find A Practitioner. https://directory.nccaom.org/

NCCIH. (2022, October). Acupuncture: What You Need to Know. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know

Yang, X., Yang, N., Huang, F., Ren, S., & Li, Z. (2021). Effectiveness of acupuncture on anxiety disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Annals of General Psychiatry, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-021-00327-5