Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety in Canberra: Supporting Your Nervous System Naturally
- Dr. Margie Virgo D.TCM, R.Ac
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Periods of global uncertainty can place increased pressure on the nervous system. Many people are currently experiencing heightened stress, disrupted sleep, and a persistent sense of tension or unease.
These responses are not unusual. They reflect the body’s natural adaptation to prolonged stress. Supporting the nervous system during these times can play an important role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
At our acupuncture clinic in Canberra, we regularly see patients seeking support for stress and anxiety, and looking for a more regulated, grounded way of feeling in their day-to-day lives.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a traditional, holistic approach that may assist in supporting the body’s stress response.
How Acupuncture May Help Stress and Anxiety- modern research has explored how acupuncture may influence physiological processes involved in stress regulation. While individual responses vary, several mechanisms have been studied.
Nervous System Regulation
Acupuncture may assist in regulating the autonomic nervous system, supporting a shift from a heightened stress response toward a more settled state.
Cortisol and Stress Hormones
Some clinical studies have observed changes in cortisol levels alongside improvements in stress-related symptoms following acupuncture treatment.
Neurotransmitters and Mood
Research suggests acupuncture may influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which are involved in mood, sleep, and emotional regulation.
Endorphin Release
Acupuncture has been associated with the release of endorphins, which contribute to a sense of relaxation and overall wellbeing.
Understanding Stress in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stress and anxiety are understood as patterns of imbalance within the body.
'A key concept in TCM is the 'Shen', often translated as the mind or spirit. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Shen is often translated as the 'mind or spirit', but it encompasses more than just mental activity. It reflects the 'clarity of consciousness, emotional balance, and overall vitality of a person'.
The Shen is said to 'reside in the Heart' and is expressed through our awareness, presence, sleep quality, and ability to engage with the world in a calm and coherent way.
When the Shen is well settled, a person may experience clear thinking, stable mood, restful sleep, and a sense of ease.
When it is disturbed—often due to prolonged stress, emotional strain, or imbalance within the body—it may present as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, poor concentration, or a feeling of being unsettled or “not quite oneself.”
Common patterns associated with stress include:
Liver Qi Stagnation – associated with tension, frustration, and emotional constraint
Heart and Shen Disturbance – linked with restlessness, sleep disturbance, and a busy or unsettled mind
Spleen Qi Deficiency – often seen with fatigue and overthinking
Kidney Deficiency Patterns – associated with longer-term stress and reduced resilience
Acupuncture Points Commonly Used for Stress - acupuncture treatment is individualised; however, certain points are traditionally used to support relaxation and nervous system regulation:
Kidney 3 (Taixi) – supports deeper energy reserves and longer-term stress patterns
Yintang – commonly used to promote relaxation and quiet the mind
Du 20 (Baihui) – may assist in calming mental activity and lifting mental clarity
Kidney 24 (Lingxu) – sometimes selected for emotional sensitivity or feelings of unease
Liver 3 (Taichong) + Large Intestine 4 (Hegu) – known as the “Four Gates,” used to support the smooth flow of Qi, particularly in presentations involving tension and emotional constraint
Heart 7 (Shenmen) – traditionally used to calm the Shen and support sleep and emotional balance
Pericardium 7 (Daling) – may be included for emotional regulation and presentations involving agitation or internal pressure
(*note point selection is based on a full consultation and varies between individuals.)
Evidence for Acupuncture and Anxiety -there is a growing body of research examining acupuncture for stress and anxiety.
A systematic review and meta-analysis (2025) found acupuncture reduced anxiety symptoms compared to control groups
Another large review of randomised controlled trials reported improved outcomes when acupuncture was used alone or alongside medication
Earlier studies have also shown beneficial effects for generalised anxiety symptoms
These findings suggest acupuncture may be a useful adjunctive option for some individuals, although results vary and further research is ongoing.
What to Expect from Acupuncture Treatment - at our Canberra acupuncture clinic, located in Rivett, treatment is tailored to your individual needs.
Your consultation may include:
Discussion of your symptoms and health history
Assessment using Chinese medicine principles
A personalised treatment plan
Some patients report:
Feeling more relaxed after treatment
Improved sleep
Reduced physical tension over time
Acupuncture in Canberra for Stress Support
If you are looking for acupuncture in Canberra for stress or anxiety, it is important to choose a qualified practitioner who takes an individualised and professional approach to care.
Acupuncture may be used alongside other healthcare treatments as part of a broader wellbeing plan.
Taking the Next Step
If you are experiencing stress or anxiety and would like to explore whether acupuncture may be suitable for you, you are welcome to get in touch.
Consultations at our Canberra clinic provide an opportunity to discuss your individual situation and determine an appropriate approach to care. To make an enquiry or arrange an appointment, tap on the link below.
Weston Creek Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine is located in Rivett, ACT. Dr. Margie Virgo is a registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine practitioner, practicing since 1997.
Book online at; https://www.westoncreekacupuncture.com.au/
References
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual responses to acupuncture and Chinese medicine may vary, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Acupuncture is not a substitute for medical or psychological care. If you have concerns about your health, please consult your GP or an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
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