Acupuncture for Anxiety: A Psychiatrist's Perspective

When living with anxiety, you may wonder about every possible treatment option available. Acupuncture—a healing practice from Traditional Chinese Medicine that's over 3,000 years old—is one option you might have heard about. But does it actually help? At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, Georgia, we believe in exploring all evidence-based approaches to help our patients throughout the Atlanta metro area find relief.

Understanding Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles at specific points in the body to balance the flow of energy, or "qi" (pronounced "chee"). From a Western medicine perspective, these needle placements may stimulate nerves and boost the body's production of natural pain-relieving chemicals.

Many wellness centers throughout Gwinnett County and Metro Atlanta offer acupuncture services. But before adding any treatment to your mental health plan, it's important to understand what the research actually shows.

What Does the Research Say?

There is some evidence suggesting acupuncture can provide relief from anxiety symptoms. A meta-analysis of research studies found that acupuncture may help reduce both physical and mental symptoms of anxiety, including persistent worry, tension, and rapid heart rate.

Researchers believe acupuncture may affect the central nervous system, particularly the autonomic nervous system that controls heart rate and other automatic functions. This could help regulate these functions and promote a calmer state.

Should You Replace Traditional Treatment?

Here's the important caveat: while acupuncture can be a helpful addition to your treatment plan, it should never replace evidence-based treatments completely. Anxiety disorders are complex, and most people respond best to a combination of approaches—often including medication and therapy.

Dr. Aneel Ursani and the team at Next Step Psychiatry take an integrative approach to care. If you're interested in exploring acupuncture alongside your psychiatric treatment, we encourage that conversation during your appointment.

Potential Side Effects

When performed by a licensed, reputable practitioner, acupuncture has minimal side effects. You might experience slight soreness or minor bruising at needle insertion sites. However, certain people should avoid acupuncture, including those with bleeding disorders, those taking certain medications, or individuals with pacemakers.

When to Seek Professional Support for Anxiety

Everyone experiences anxiety occasionally, but when anxiety becomes severe enough to regularly interfere with your daily life—affecting your work, relationships, or overall quality of life—it's time to seek professional help.

Signs that your anxiety may warrant evaluation include:

• Excessive worry that's difficult to control
• Persistent feelings of dread or nervousness
• Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or sweating
• Trouble concentrating due to worry
• Sleep problems related to anxious thoughts
• Panic attacks

Nearly 30% of American adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, making them the most common mental health condition. Help is available right here in Lilburn.

Comprehensive Anxiety Treatment in Gwinnett County

At Next Step Psychiatry, we offer thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans for anxiety disorders. Whether your treatment includes medication, therapy, lifestyle modifications, or complementary approaches like acupuncture, we work with you to find what works best for your unique situation.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.