Can Acupuncture Help with Anxiety?
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in Australia, affecting millions of people each year. While conventional treatments such as therapy and medication are widely used, many people seek complementary therapies like acupuncture to help manage their symptoms and restore balance to the body and mind.
How Does Acupuncture Address Anxiety?
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice that aims to regulate the body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced ‘chee’), by inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points along the body’s meridians. In TCM, anxiety is often associated with imbalances in the heart, liver, and kidney meridians, which can lead to symptoms such as:
- Excessive worry or overthinking
- Restlessness or difficulty sleeping
- Heart palpitations
- Digestive issues
- Muscle tension
Modern research suggests that acupuncture may help regulate the autonomic nervous system, encouraging the body to shift from a ‘fight-or-flight’ state into a relaxed, parasympathetic mode.
What Does the Research Say?
Several studies have explored the potential benefits of acupuncture for anxiety:
- A 2021 systematic review published in The Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture may help reduce symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) by modulating the nervous system and increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (Kwon et al., 2021).
- Another study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine reported that acupuncture may reduce anxiety levels in patients undergoing medical procedures, suggesting its calming effects could extend to everyday anxiety as well (Zhou et al., 2020).
While more research is needed, acupuncture is increasingly recognised as a potential complementary therapy for anxiety, particularly for those looking to support their mental well-being naturally.
What to Expect from Acupuncture for Anxiety
At True Health, we take a holistic approach to treating anxiety. Each patient receives a personalised treatment plan that may include:
- Acupuncture to stimulate calming points associated with relaxation and emotional balance.
- Breathing and mindfulness techniques to support nervous system regulation
- Herbal medicine and dietary guidance tailored to each individual’s constitution.
Most patients report feeling a deep sense of relaxation during and after treatment, with ongoing improvements over a series of sessions.
The Takeaway
Acupuncture may offer support for individuals experiencing anxiety, helping to promote relaxation and restore balance to the body and mind. While it is not a replacement for psychological therapy or medication, it can be a valuable complementary therapy.
If you’re looking for natural ways to manage anxiety, our team at True Health is here to help.
