Is anxiety something that affects you? Acupuncture may be able to help. 
Anxiety has now become the most common form of mental health disorder and the leading cause of disability in Western societies. Although medication treatments are available, some patients are finding they are unwilling or unable to tolerate the side effects of long-term medication. More and more people are finding support in complementary medicine such as acupuncture, massage, relaxation techniques, and nutritional supplements.
Acupuncture is widely accepted as a safe and well-tolerated form of treatment. In a large study of nearly 35,000 patients, less than 0.1% of patients reported experiencing any adverse effects after treatment. Acupuncture, a practice originating in China over 3,000 years ago, has been used successfully in the treatment of conditions ranging from musculoskeletal pain, to nausea, migraine headache, insomnia, and – you guessed it – anxiety.
Acupuncture is a method of balancing and building the body’s life force energy known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). Acupuncturists recognize particular pathways called “meridians” in which energy circulates. Traditional Chinese Medicine views disease as the result of an imbalance or blockage in the body’s natural energy flow. Such imbalances manifest in physical, emotional and psychosomatic stress-related disorders.
How does Acupuncture help with Anxiety?
Acupuncturists insert very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into specific points along meridians in order to disperse the blockage and promote circulation, which enables the body to process what has been stuck and promote healing. This process also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps our mind and body to relax while reducing stress hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
How many sessions are needed to see results?
For the best quality of improvement, at least 6 sessions are recommended. Though you may see improvement after your initial treatment, receiving regular acupuncture treatments will be most effective. This suggestion is based on an evidence based study in 2022 which showed that after 5 to 10 sessions of acupuncture treatment there is a significant effectiveness independent of anxiolytic medication.
Taking action on our own behalf can be empowering. Trying something new can create a shift in our ways of thinking. If you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, or hypertension, acupuncture may be able to help. Click here to schedule an acupuncture appointment today.
*We are not suggesting that you discontinue use of prescribed medications. We encourage you to consult with your medical team before making any decisions.
Sources:
Effectiveness of acupuncture on anxiety disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials – National Library of Medicine (1)
Acupuncture & Anger, What’s The Connection? – The Wellness Center (2)
Acupuncture Treatment Information, Health Library – Mount Sinai (3)
Acupuncture – The Wellness Center (4)
Electroacupuncture and acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety- A double blinded randomized parallel clinical trial. Diogo Amorim et al. Complement Ther Clinc Prac. 2022, 46:101541 [5]