Finding Calm: How Acupuncture Supports Stress and Anxiety Relief
- misunwahyafoundati
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
With a heightened awareness of mental health, many people are turning to East Asian medicine and acupuncture as natural, holistic tools to manage stress and anxiety. These emotional states are not just psychological—they take a physical toll on the body, affecting everything from digestion to sleep to hormone regulation. In East Asian medicine, emotional health is seen as intimately connected with organ systems & characteristics—climates, breathing & movement, and daily life patterns.
When someone experiences long-term stress or anxiety, their nervous system becomes stuck in a hyper-alert state. This “fight or flight” response, driven by the sympathetic nervous system, keeps cortisol elevated, digestion suppressed, and sleep disturbed. Over time, this state of physiological tension affects cardiovascular health, blood sugar regulation, and even the immune response.
Acupuncture works by gently guiding the body into a parasympathetic, or “rest and digest,” state. Fine needles are placed at carefully selected points along the body, influencing the nervous system, calming the mind, and restoring internal regulation. Clinical studies show that acupuncture can reduce cortisol levels, improve heart rate variability, and support neurotransmitter balance—all key markers of lowered stress and anxiety.
From an East Asian perspective, symptoms like tight chest, shallow breathing, digestive upset, or insomnia signal an imbalance in the heart, lung, liver, or spleen systems. Treatment focuses on restoring flow, grounding emotions, and supporting the physical systems most affected by emotional strain.
Lifestyle Advice Based on Metabolic and TCM Insights:
Eat for Blood Sugar Stability: Anxiety is often worsened by erratic glucose levels. Focus on regular meals rich in protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats to keep your nervous system steady.
Reduce Stimulants: Caffeine and alcohol can amplify anxiety symptoms. Consider replacing coffee with roasted dandelion root or a calming herbal tea like chamomile or passionflower.
Regulate Sleep-Wake Cycles: The liver system, often implicated in stress patterns, is most active at night. Support restful sleep by winding down early, limiting screens, and creating a dark, calm sleep environment.
Try Breath-Based Movement: Tai chi, qigong, or gentle yoga all support emotional regulation and vagal tone. Even a daily walk can help calm racing thoughts and support metabolism.
At the Misun Wahya Foundation on Mort St, Toowoomba City, Dr. Ash Dean, Doctor of East Asian Medicine and acupuncturist, offers integrative support for stress, anxiety, immune issues, pain, and digestive health—bridging the strengths of both East Asian and Western medical frameworks for balanced, whole-person care.
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