Acupuncture and Anxiety:
Supporting Calm and Balance Naturally
Anxiety can feel different for everyone, tightness in the chest, racing thoughts, disrupted sleep, or persistent unease. Whether it’s occasional worry or part of a long-term pattern, anxiety can affect every aspect of life, from work and relationships to energy levels and digestion.
At Point The Way Acupuncture, we offer a supportive environment to help people manage anxiety using acupuncture, a traditional therapy known for its calming and regulating effects on the body and mind.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health concerns worldwide, affecting an estimated 1–30% of the global population. There are many different types, including:
Generalised anxiety disorder
Panic attacks
Social anxiety
Health-related anxiety
Stress-related tension
Symptoms can include:
Restlessness, nervousness, or irritability
Sleep disturbances
Changes in breathing or heart rate
Muscle tightness and fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Everyone’s experience is unique, and so is our approach to care.
How Acupuncture May Help
Acupuncture is a traditional form of medicine that involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. In modern practice, it’s used to support people experiencing a wide range of symptoms, including those linked with anxiety.
Clients often report benefits such as:
Feeling calmer or more centred
Improved sleep quality
A sense of physical and emotional release
Reduced muscular tension
Greater emotional resilience
What the Research Says
Current evidence suggests that acupuncture may be a helpful supportive treatment for anxiety. The Acupuncture Evidence Project (2017) found moderate-quality evidence supporting its use. Some clinical studies report:
Greater reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to medications or psychotherapy alone
Improvements in heart rate variability (HRV), a key marker of stress resilience
Increased release of the body’s own “feel-good” chemicals like endorphins
That said, results vary and acupuncture should be considered as part of a broader care plan. We encourage you to discuss any health concerns with your GP or a registered mental health professional.
The Science Behind the Calm
From a physiological perspective, acupuncture has been shown to:
Influence the autonomic nervous system, supporting a shift from stress (sympathetic) to calm (parasympathetic) states
Modulate stress hormones and brain activity related to fear and worry (including activity in the hypothalamus)
Enhance the body’s internal regulation systems, impacting heart rate, digestion, and emotional balance
This may explain why many clients find acupuncture deeply relaxing and grounding.
Working With You Holistically
At Point The Way Acupuncture, we honour the connection between mind and body. Anxiety doesn’t happen in isolation, it often arises alongside physical tension, digestive changes, and shifts in energy. Our treatments are designed to work with the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
Whether you’re dealing with daily stress, navigating life transitions, or looking for gentle ways to support your emotional wellbeing, we’re here to help.
Book a Session or Reach Out
If you’re looking for a natural way to support your mental and emotional balance, we invite you to book an appointment or contact us to learn more. We're here to walk with you, calmly and compassionately, on your journey to greater peace.
Acupuncture is considered a complementary therapy. Results may vary between individuals. This information is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your GP or mental health professional for advice specific to your situation.