Good to Know: Acupuncture Alleviates Anxiety

At Oxford & Em, we're all about taking tasks off your to-do list, giving you more free time and less stress.

We proudly offer services that help our clients become more productive and less anxious, and maybe even find extra time to do something they love. In the spirit of stress relief, we've begun a quest to explore other ways people achieve balance and mental stability. This is part one, where we'll dive into the practice and healing benefits of acupuncture.

To learn more about the science behind acupuncture as a treatment for anxiety, Oxford & Em founder Melissa Garretson sat down with Dr. Grace Rollins (“Grace” to those in the know) of Bridge Acupuncture in Doylestown, PA.

It’s not easy to become a licensed acupuncturist; training takes years, and certifications can be difficult to obtain. Even among the highly trained acupuncture community, Grace stands out. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a Doctorate of Acupuncture from Pacific College of Health and Science, and board certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. In addition, she has completed over a decade of apprenticeship with internationally recognized experts.

In short, Grace is the perfect person to explain the mechanics of acupuncture and why it’s been such a game-changer for overly anxious folks (like Melissa, who’s a regular patient).

Understanding Acupuncture — How and Why It Works

Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which views health as a harmonious balance of energies within the body. According to TCM theory, disruptions in the flow of qi (pronounced "chee"), the body's vital energy, lead to imbalances and subsequent health issues. Acupuncture aims to restore this balance by inserting very fine needles into specific points along meridians, or energy channels, to regulate the flow of qi.

Acupuncture points are believed to correspond to specific organs and bodily functions. By stimulating these points, practitioners aim to alleviate symptoms and promote overall well-being.

Dating back over 3,000 years, this ancient practice has withstood the test of time with only minor changes, such as the use of thinner needles and updated insertion techniques for a pain-free experience.

Grace points to several peer-reviewed studies done on this topic in the last 60 years, although scientists have only begun to understand the exact mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effects. Existing research suggests that acupuncture triggers neurotransmitters and impacts the central nervous system by activating different areas of the brain and enabling connections. Acupuncture can also trigger the body to produce endorphins and other pain-relieving or calming chemicals — the same chemicals found in frequently prescribed medications. 

Acupuncture for Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental disorders, affecting more than 300 million people worldwide. Furthermore, the number of people experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety is on the rise, especially among young adults. According to a 2023 Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, 51% of adults aged 18-29 reported having these symptoms.

Although anxiety is common, only 1 in 4 people with an anxiety disorder receive treatment. Barriers preventing care stem from a variety of issues, from social stigma to a deficiency in trained healthcare providers to people simply not knowing about available options. Acupuncture is one treatment in particular that stands out as a lesser-known yet irrefutably effective tool to combat anxiety.

While Western doctors are quick to suggest pharmaceuticals and cognitive behavioral therapy for every level of stress and anxiety, acupuncture referrals are increasingly common. Acupuncture is considered a "complementary approach" to these methods, meaning combining it with other treatments is safe and beneficial. In fact, according to Grace, one of the most significant advantages of acupuncture is how risk-free it is and the fact that there are virtually no side effects.   

Antianxiety Mechanisms in Action

The science behind how acupuncture helps with anxiety is multifaceted and involves complex interactions within the body's neuroendocrine and autonomic systems. Acupuncture stimulation has been shown to modulate the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and endorphins, which help regulate mood and stress responses.

Furthermore, acupuncture may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a stress-regulating system that, when dysfunctional or overactivated, can contribute to anxiety disorders. By regulating cortisol levels and dampening HPA axis activity, acupuncture may mitigate the physiological stress response associated with anxiety.

Finally, acupuncture's effects extend beyond the central nervous system to include peripheral mechanisms. Research suggests that acupuncture can reduce inflammation, regulate immune function, and improve circulation — all of which may indirectly contribute to its antianxiety capabilities.

Integration into Western Healthcare

With its long list of proven benefits, it would seem that acupuncture should be a first-line treatment — why isn’t it?

Most MDs just aren’t familiar with acupuncture, and while some may recommend it to patients, doctors will naturally default to providing treatment based on their medical training, which includes prescribing medication. Additionally, insurance companies haven't all subscribed to the idea of acupuncture as a legitimate medical treatment, and many won't agree to cover associated costs.

A strong example Grace provided of the disconnect between acupuncture and Western healthcare was the use of Botox as a treatment for migraines. Studies have shown that acupuncture is more effective in treating migraines than Botox. Still, because doctors aren't familiar with the procedure, they prescribe and rely more on Botox — closing off a potential opportunity for their patients to access a more effective solution. (Psst — Bridge also offers acupuncture for facial rejuvenation that’s purported to reduce wrinkles and increase collagen… no injectable toxins required!)

Though it's made significant strides in recent years, Grace hopes there will be more collaboration between medical doctors and licensed acupuncturists as time goes on. This way, acupuncture will become more accessible and merge in line with other traditional treatments as a practical and viable solution.     

In an era marked by rising rates of anxiety and stress-related disorders, acupuncture offers a time-tested approach to promoting emotional well-being and restoring balance to the body and mind. Rooted in ancient wisdom and supported by modern research, acupuncture stands as a valuable complement to conventional treatments for anxiety.

As our understanding of acupuncture continues to evolve, so does its potential to transform the mental healthcare landscape. By closing the gap between Eastern and Western medical approaches, we can empower individuals to tailor their healthcare to meet their needs and access safe, effective treatments on their journey to better health.

Stay tuned as we get to know more stress-relieving superheroes in our upcoming blog posts, and while you're waiting, let us know if we can help with our time-saving copy and content writing.   

Dr. Grace Rollins is a licensed acupuncturist, and is the founder, owner and senior acupuncturist at Bridge Acupuncture in Doylestown, PA. She received her Bachelors from Yale University, Master of Science from Tristate College of Acupuncture in New York, and recently completed her Doctorate in Acupuncture with the Pacific College of Health and Science. She has been in practice for over 18 years, and currently specializes in the treatment of peripheral and central neurological disorders. Her studies of acupuncture have included several journeys to Japan, and she has taught practitioners in the US as well as Brazil.