Acupuncture Helps Us Manage Stress & Anxiety

Acupuncture supports the nervous system and relieves stress and anxiety.

We’re living in anxious times. It’s not just you - it’s happening to a lot of us, and there are clear systemic reasons for it. In today’s always-on, fast-paced world, our nervous systems often get stuck in a state of overdrive. This can cause and worsen feelings of stress, worry, and anxiety. But acupuncture can make a massive difference. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I decided to become an acupuncturist - it’s that helpful.

Understanding the nervous system and stress

Our nervous system has two primary branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which governs "rest-and-digest" functions. Chronic stress keeps the SNS on high alert, flooding our bodies with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and even hormonal imbalances.

If your nervous system is stuck in a constant state of stress, you might feel like you’re always on edge—restless, anxious, or unable to fully relax. You may notice racing thoughts, muscle tension, poor sleep, digestive issues, or a sense that you’re exhausted no matter how much sleep you get.

In clinical studies, acupuncture has been shown to help shift the nervous system out of a constant stress response and into a state of balance and relaxation. But how does it actually work?

How acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system

The insertion of acupuncture needles stimulates the nervous system and influences neurotransmitter activity. Research has found that acupuncture promotes the release of endorphins (our body’s natural painkillers) and regulates cortisol levels, helping to bring the nervous system back into balance.

A 2013 study published in the Journal of Endocrinology found that acupuncture helps to downregulate the stress response by reducing levels of stress hormones in the bloodstream, particularly cortisol and norepinephrine (Eshkevari et al., 2013). This means that acupuncture can help calm the body’s fight-or-flight response and promote a more relaxed state.

Another study, published in Scientific Reports in 2021, demonstrated that acupuncture activates the vagus nerve, a key player in the parasympathetic nervous system. This activation helps lower heart rate, improve digestion, and enhance the body’s ability to recover from stress (Liu et al., 2021).

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session for Stress or Anxiety Relief

Many people report feeling deeply relaxed during an acupuncture treatment—some even fall asleep, and many acupuncture aficionados will tell you that the acu-nap is THE BEST. It happens because the acupuncture treatment encourages the body to shift into a parasympathetic-dominant state. And it’s not just a one-time thing! Over time, regular acupuncture treatments can help "train" your nervous system to better handle stress, improving sleep, mood, and overall resilience.

If you’re looking for a natural, effective way to reset your nervous system and manage stress, acupuncture may be worth exploring. With growing research supporting its effects, it’s more than just an ancient practice—it’s a scientifically backed way to enhance your well-being – and we can all use a little extra help with that these days.