I work with a lot of people who are dealing with stress. It shows up in many ways—work pressure, caring for aging parents, a new baby, health challenges, financial worries, or even the political climate. Sometimes stress is short-lived, and sometimes it lingers for months or years. You're not alone if you're feeling overwhelmed.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stress causes a disruption in the body’s natural balance, or flow of Qi. This imbalance can lead to a variety of symptoms—trouble relaxing, headaches, irritability, poor sleep, low appetite, fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and lower immunity.
Fortunately, acupuncture offers a gentle and effective way to support your body and mind through stressful times.
How Acupuncture Helps with Stress
Acupuncture works by calming the nervous system, regulating hormones, and restoring the body’s natural rhythms. When the body is balanced, it’s easier to handle life’s ups and downs with resilience.
Modern research supports what I see in my clinic every week. One small randomized controlled pilot study looked at adults with chronic stress and found that those who received weekly acupuncture sessions reported greater improvement in their main symptoms than those who received relaxation time or no treatment at all(1).
Another study, published in Healthcare in 2022, found that both traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture significantly reduced anxiety levels and morning cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) in adults with anxiety disorders(2).These findings echo what many of my clients experience: better sleep, a more stable mood, reduced tension, and an overall feeling of being more grounded and able to cope.
My Approach in the Clinic
Acupuncture for stress is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. I create individualized treatment plans based on each person’s life circumstances and health history. We talk about your symptoms, your lifestyle, and what kind of support you need—then we begin gently shifting the body back toward balance.
Many people start with weekly treatments and gradually space them out as things improve. Acupuncture isn’t a quick fix, but over time it can lead to lasting change.
Why Addressing Stress Matters
When left unchecked, chronic stress affects nearly every system in the body. It can increase your risk of illness, worsen pain, interfere with sleep and digestion, and impact your mental health. Taking steps to manage stress—whether through acupuncture, lifestyle changes, or both—can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.
You’re Not Alone
Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to take over. Whether your stress is situational or something that’s been building for a long time, acupuncture can offer real, measurable relief. I’ve seen it help countless people feel calmer, stronger, and more themselves again.
If you’re ready to start feeling better, I’d love to support you.
References
Huang W, Howie J, Taylor A, Robinson N. An investigation into the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) for chronic stress in adults: a randomized controlled pilot study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):16–21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21168109
Asadipooya K, et al. The efficacy of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on anxiety and cortisol levels in patients with anxiety disorders: A randomized controlled trial. Healthcare. 2022;10(2):291. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35124475
Danielle Murphy
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