November 28 , 2023 Studies on the efficacy of both acupuncture and acupressure for the treatment of anxiety and the symptoms of PTSD show promising results. Much of the deep relaxation effect of acupuncture may come from the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, but that’s only one of many theories about how acupuncture works and much more research is needed in this area.
What we can say is that the full range of Chinese Medicine skills including acupuncture, acupressure and Chinese herbal medicine offer a reputable treatment option for the management of anxiety, insomnia and depression.
The Shen Adelaide team of Chinese Medicine Doctors has decades of experience treating patients with stress, anxiety and depression. We are committed to supporting psychological well-being.
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Anxiety: Level Two – Evidence of Potential Positive Effect
Depression (with anti-depressants): Level Two – Evidence of Potential Positive Effect
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Level Two – Evidence of Potential Positive Effect
Schitzophrenia (with anti-psychotics): Level Two – Evidence of Potential Positive Effect
Conditions with Level Two evidence have good support of efficacy, but require further research.
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References
Au DW, Tsang HW, Ling PP, Leung CH, Ip PK, Cheung WM. Effects of acupressure on anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acupuncture in Medicine: Journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society. 2015 Oct;33(5):353-9.
Bazzan AJ, Zabrecky G, Monti DA, Newberg AB. Current evidence regarding the management of mood and anxiety disorders using complementary and alternative medicine. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. 2014 Apr;14(4):411-23.
Bosch P, van den Noort M, Staudte H, Lim S. Schizophrenia and Depression: A systematic Review of the Effectiveness and the Working Mechanisms Behind Acupuncture. Explore (New York, NY). 2015 Jul-Aug;11(4):281-91.
Engel CC, Cordova EH, Benedek DM, Liu X, Gore KL, Goertz C, et al. Randomized effectiveness trial of a brief course of acupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder. Medical Care. 2014 Dec;52(12 Suppl 5):S57-64.
Goyata SL, Avelino CC, Santos SV, Souza Junior DI, Gurgel MD, Terra FS. Effects from acupuncture in treating anxiety: integrative review. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem. 2016 Jun;69(3):602-9.
Grant S, Kandrack R, Motala A, Shanman R, Booth M, Miles J, et al. Acupuncture for substance use disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2016 Jun 1;163:1-15.
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