Roughly 1 in 6 of us experience anxiety, and there has been a modest increase in this during the Covid pandemic – a recent study finding a prevalence of 21.6% at present in a representative sample of the UK population.
Many acupuncturists across the UK report that stress and anxiety are some of the most common complaints among their patients. Testimonials and case studies from UK acupuncture clinics frequently reflect positive outcomes, with patients citing improved emotional balance, better sleep, and a greater ability to cope with daily stress after receiving acupuncture treatments.
It’s no different here at the Rose-Neil Clinic where more than 40% of our patients either come for direct treatment concerning stress or anxiety as their primary condition or it is the root cause for the issue they are seeking treatment for.
For thousands of years, acupuncture has been used to address a range of physical and emotional conditions, but in recent times, it’s gained significant attention as a holistic treatment for mental health issues like stress and anxiety. Let’s explore how this time-honoured therapy can help soothe the mind, restore balance, and promote well-being.
The Science Behind Acupuncture and Anxiety Relief
Modern research has started to uncover how acupuncture impacts the brain and nervous system. While our Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) explanations focus on Qi and the acupuncture meridians, scientific studies suggest that acupuncture can:
- Activate the parasympathetic nervous system: This is known as the “rest and digest” system, this helps reduce the body’s fight-or-flight response, which is commonly associated with anxiety and stress.
- Regulate neurotransmitters: Acupuncture can influence the levels of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins in the brain, which are key players in mood regulation and stress management.
- Reduce cortisol levels: Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, is linked to anxiety, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. Acupuncture has been shown to lower cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and calm.
How Acupuncture Can Help with Stress and Anxiety
1. Promotes Deep Relaxation
One of the immediate benefits of acupuncture is the deep relaxation it induces. During an acupuncture session, many people experience a sense of calm that they struggle to achieve in their daily lives. This is partly due to the way acupuncture encourages the body to shift into a parasympathetic state, helping the mind and body to relax.
2. Balances the Body’s Energy
In TCM, emotional disturbances like stress and anxiety are seen as imbalances in the body’s energy. Acupuncture works to balance these energies, promoting harmony within the body. For instance, it can target acupoints that relieve tension in the chest and shoulders, which are common areas where stress is held.
3. Supports Emotional Release
Acupuncture can be profoundly emotional for some people. By stimulating specific points, it can help release pent-up emotions or stress that the body has stored. This emotional release can feel like a weight has been lifted, leaving you with a clearer mind and a lighter spirit.
4. Improves Sleep Quality
Poor sleep is both a symptom and a cause of anxiety. Many people who suffer from stress and anxiety also experience insomnia or restless sleep. Acupuncture can help regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycles, promoting deeper, more restorative sleep, which in turn improves mood and resilience to stress.
5. Reduces Physical Symptoms of Stress
Stress doesn’t only affect the mind—it often manifests physically, through headaches, tight muscles, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. Acupuncture not only helps calm the mind but also alleviates the physical symptoms of stress, bringing holistic relief to both body and spirit.
Evidence from the UK: Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety
A scholarly search of the available research studies on “acupuncture and anxiety” reveals over 20,800 papers from journals, narrowing this to high quality trials leads to over 1,500 hits, of which 57% have been carried out since 2017.
This demonstrates that acupuncture is being used traditionally and currently in this area, is widely scientifically researched, and that the pace at which this research is being carried is increasing.
- A 2013 study published in the Journal of Acupuncture in Medicine found that acupuncture was effective in reducing stress/anxiety in patients preparing for surgery. The calming effect at this heightened time of anxiety was attributed to acupuncture’s ability to influence autonomic nervous system responses and reduce cortisol levels.
- According to the most up to date evidence, acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety. In 2017, The Acupuncture Evidence Project, co-authored by Dr John McDonald and Dr Stephen Janz, was published, providing an up-to-date comparative review of the clinical and scientific evidence for acupuncture. Their evidence included a 2016 systematic review with over 400 randomised patients that concluded that ‘the effects from acupuncture for treating anxiety have been shown to be significant as compared to conventional treatments.’ The largest of these studies, which included 120 randomized patients, found that acupuncture had a large effect on reducing anxiety and depression compared to conventional treatment involving pharmacological approaches and psychotherapy, with over twice the reduction in symptoms.
- A more recent systematic review published in 2018 found that all 13 included studies “reported an anxiety decrease for their treatment group relative to the control groups.” Three of these studies used pharmaceuticals as controls
- Most recently in 2023 The Acupuncture Academy in Leamington Spa sought to examine the impact of a short course of acupuncture, for students aged 18-30 with current mental health issues. 68% of those studied reported moderate or severe anxiety at the beginning of treatment which by treatment eight had dropped to just 11%.
In the UK, acupuncture is recognised and used in some NHS settings, particularly for pain management and mental health conditions. Though its use for anxiety and stress is not yet widespread in NHS practice, there is growing evidence that it may help reduce symptoms of mental health issues. In fact, some NHS clinics do refer patients to acupuncture as a complementary treatment for conditions like anxiety, chronic stress, and insomnia.
Final Thoughts
In a world where stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming, acupuncture offers a path toward healing that honours both the mind and the body. With its deep roots in traditional medicine and growing support from modern science, acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a more balanced, natural approach to mental wellness.
If you’re struggling with stress or anxiety, acupuncture might be the relief you’ve been looking for – a chance to reset, recentre, and restore peace within yourself. As both an in-clinic and concierge style at home service Rose-Neil Acupuncture is perfectly styled to address stress and anxiety within your current lifestyle.
