Acupuncture & Mental Health: How Ancient Healing Supports the Modern Mind
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to shine light on the importance of emotional wellbeing and explore holistic solutions for stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. As an acupuncturist, I see firsthand how powerful Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be in helping people regain their calm, clarity, and emotional balance.
Let’s explore how acupuncture works for mental health, what the science says, and how you can start benefiting today.
What Is Acupuncture, and How Does It Affect the Mind?
Acupuncture is a centuries-old practice rooted in TCM that uses ultra-thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body — called acupoints — to restore the natural flow of Qi (energy). But beyond physical healing, acupuncture is deeply connected to mental and emotional health.
When it comes to your mind, acupuncture works in several profound ways:
Calms the nervous system
Reduces stress hormones like cortisol
Promotes the release of “feel-good” neurotransmitters like serotonin and endorphins
Improves sleep and energy levels
Supports emotional regulation
What the Research Says
Modern research increasingly supports what ancient practitioners have known for centuries. Here are some highlights:
A 2013 study in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture significantly reduced anxiety in patients after just a few sessions.
A meta-analysis published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2020) showed that acupuncture can be effective in treating depression, especially when combined with other therapies.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize acupuncture as a promising treatment for mental health concerns, especially stress-related conditions.
Acupuncture for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress
Let’s break down how acupuncture supports specific emotional health concerns:
Anxiety
Acupuncture helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, bringing your body from “fight or flight” into “rest and digest.” Many clients report feeling calmer — sometimes even during their first session.
Depression
By stimulating specific acupoints related to the Heart, Liver, and Spleen channels (which correspond to emotional regulation in TCM), acupuncture can lift mood, restore motivation, and balance energy.
Chronic Stress & Burnout
Stress depletes your body’s resources. Acupuncture helps recharge your system, reduce inflammation, and promote deep relaxation — mentally and physically.
The Whole-Body Approach: More Than Just Needles
Mental health is complex — and so is the TCM approach. Your personalized treatment plan may include:
Herbal medicine to support emotional balance
Dietary and lifestyle recommendations
Mind-body practices like Qi Gong or meditation
Sleep and digestion support (vital for mental wellness in TCM)
What Clients Say
“Gena is a phenomenal practitioner, a dedicated listener and such a kind and supportive guide. I look forward to every consult not only because of the quality of experience that she provides in her office, but more so because of the quality of spirit and mind that the experience leaves me with long after. Can’t say enough positive things… Google, can we get a 6th star?” K.G., Patient
Many people come in feeling disconnected from their body, burned out, or emotionally overwhelmed. Acupuncture provides a safe, nurturing space to come back to center.
This May, Put Your Mental Health First
If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, emotionally drained, or just not like yourself — know that help is available. Whether used alongside therapy or as a standalone tool, acupuncture offers a powerful, natural approach to emotional wellness.
Let’s honor Mental Health Awareness Month by taking the first step toward feeling like yourself again. Book your appointment today or schedule a free consultation to learn how acupuncture can support your journey to mental wellbeing.
