Acupuncture for Anxiety

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Anxiety is a prevalent mental health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide. While traditional treatments such as therapy and medication have proven effective, acupuncture is gaining recognition for its potential in alleviating anxiety symptoms.

A randomized controlled trial conducted by Errington-Evans et al. (2017) demonstrated that acupuncture significantly reduced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder compared to a control group. The study, published in the Journal of Acupuncture in Medicine, indicated that acupuncture may lead to an increase in the production of neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation, contributing to its anxiolytic effects.

Another study by Amorim et al. (2018), published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, explored the potential of acupuncture in reducing symptoms of social anxiety disorder. The researchers found that acupuncture, when combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy, led to greater improvements in anxiety symptoms compared to cognitive-behavioral therapy alone.

The therapeutic effects of acupuncture on anxiety are thought to stem from its influence on various neurobiological pathways. Research suggests that acupuncture may modulate the central nervous system by regulating the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine. A study by Lee et al. (2013) published in the Journal of Endocrinology demonstrated that acupuncture can enhance GABA production, which plays a crucial role in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

Furthermore, acupuncture may stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. A review by Vas et al. (2016) in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine highlighted the potential of acupuncture to activate the body's opioidergic system, contributing to its anxiolytic effects.

As demonstrated, accumulating clinical research suggests that acupuncture aids in alleviating symptoms of anxiety through its influence on neurobiological pathways and the body's natural healing mechanisms.

Ready to try it? David Blatt, LAc, offers acupuncture for anxiety at his City Park location. Anticipate at least 4-6 weekly treatments to see notable results. Schedule now.

References:

  1. Errington-Evans, N., & Liu, J. (2017). The effect of acupuncture on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Acupuncture in Medicine, 35(6), 377-385.

  2. Amorim, D., Amado, J., Brito, I., Fiuza, S. M., Amorim, N., Costeira, C., & Machado, J. (2018). Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of social anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 11(6), 376-382.

  3. Lee, B., Shim, I., & Lee, H. (2013). Acupuncture attenuates anxiety-like behavior by normalizing amygdaloid catecholamines during ethanol withdrawal in rats. Journal of Endocrinology, 217(1), 55-62.

  4. Vas, J., Santos-Rey, K., Navarro-Pablo, R., Modesto, M., Aguilar, I., Campos, M. A., & Ramos-Monserrat, M. (2016). Acupuncture for the treatment of pain – a review of the evidence. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 21(4), 227-239.