Written by: Samantha Nehmi, Licensed Acupuncturist at SHC, Montvale, NJ
Stress is not just “in our heads.” It affects everything including: your mood, sleep, hormones, digestion, and even your immune system. The good news though? Acupuncture offers real, research-backed ways to help your body and mind adapt and improve these issues by hitting the root issue along with symptomatic issues as well.
How does it do this? Let’s get right into it!
1. Feel-Good Chemicals – Endorphins
One of the coolest things about acupuncture is that it triggers your body to release endorphins aka natural mood boosters that help you feel calmer and happier. Endorphins then act on your pain receptors, which is a nice bonus (and something I’ll cover more in another post).
Along with endorphins, acupuncture helps regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, both important for managing anxiety and helping you feel more grounded.
2. Less Cortisol = Less Stress + Inflammation
When you’re constantly stressed, your cortisol levels stay high, which then can lead to all sorts of issues such as poor sleep, fatigue, hormone imbalance, and even chronic inflammation.
Acupuncture helps bring cortisol levels down by calming the body’s stress response system (aka the HPA axis). Lower cortisol doesn’t just mean you feel less stressed — it means reduction in inflammation throughout your body. Win-win situation!!
So… Does It Actually Work?
Yes… and there’s science to back it up as stated above but here’s some extra info…
- Clinical research shows that people with anxiety who added acupuncture to their usual treatments (like SSRIs) had better results, and lower cortisol, than those using medication alone.
- One trial with stressed-out college students found that acupuncture reduced stress levels, and the effects lasted for months.
So no, it’s not just in your head… acupuncture creates real, measurable changes in your body and brain.
If stress and anxiety are impacting your daily life, our team also takes a whole-body approach through integrated care for stress and anxiety.
Why Bergen County Clients Love Acupuncture
People come to me because they want something natural, without side effects. Something that treats the root cause, not just the symptoms. And most are surprised by how relaxing and restorative each session feels.
We start with an in-depth chat about what’s going on, and I tailor each treatment to your needs. Common points I use help calm the mind, relax the body, and regulate your stress response. Many clients feel a shift after just one visit.
Many patients also choose to combine acupuncture with other supportive therapies offered at SHC, including chiropractic care and physical therapy for optimal nervous system and musculoskeletal support.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
If you’re tired of feeling irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed, acupuncture might be just what you need to find your calm again… and naturally with minimal to no side-effects.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit our Acupuncture Services page or give us a call at 201-746-6577.
Sources
- Yang et al., Journal of Psychiatric Research, 2021 – Acupuncture + SSRIs reduced anxiety more than meds alone
- Kim et al., Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2018 – Acupuncture helped students lower stress long-term