How Acupuncture Can Ease Anxiety and Improve Mood

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults, or roughly 18% of the population.  

The pandemic has greatly exacerbated mental health conditions across the board.  In younger populations, a study published by JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) revealed that by the fall of 2021, the prevalence of depression and anxiety in children and adolescents around the world had doubled from pre-pandemic levels.  Some of the hardest groups were girls and older teenagers.  

A study published in the Annals of Psychiatry in January 2021 found that acupuncture had a positive outcome in treating patients with anxiety.  Moreover, acupuncture was shown to be well-tolerated and safe.  Research also demonstrates that acupuncture can enhance the effect of medications used to treat anxiety and depression, significantly mitigate drug adverse effects, and reducing the chance of relapses.

 How Does Acupuncture Do This?

Acupuncture moves the body from a sympathetic, or fight or flight, state, to a parasympathetic, or rest and digest, state.  In chronic anxiety, the sympathetic nervous system kicks into high gear to fight off a threat, signaling the adrenal glands to release higher amounts of hormones called adrenalin (epinephrine) and cortisol.  After some time, over-production of cortisol can result in blood sugar dysregulation, inflammation, fatigue, poor sleep, lowered immunity and a further exacerbation of anxiety and depression.

Acupuncture has been shown to release mood-boosting hormones such as endorphins.  Additionally, acupuncture improves the circulation of blood throughout the body, which oxygenates the tissues and detoxifies cortisol and other unwanted chemicals.

Growing evidence points to acupuncture activating distinct brain regions as well as modulating neurotransmitters. Your gut bacteria produce many of these neurotransmitters. One study showed that 90-95% of serotonin resides in the gut.  That’s why it’s so important to address proper nutrition, optimize intestinal health and balance one’s microbiota.

Bottom line: acupuncture is known to be an effective and safe modality which has a balancing and calming effect on the body overall.  An average of 6-8 weekly sessions is typically recommended for the initial course of acupuncture treatments.  It is common and beneficial to continue with maintenance sessions to meet the body’s changing needs.