What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture for Stress?

Acupuncture is a method of medical treatment in which thin needles are inserted into certain points on the body. The most recognized use of acupuncture is for pain relief, but it also is commonly used in the treatment of stress and related disorders. It helps alleviate tension and its symptoms by increasing circulation and triggering endorphins, which are commonly referred to as “feel good” hormones. As a result, the endorphins help reduce stress levels in the body. The benefits that come from acupuncture for stress include decreased anxiety as well as improving other related problems, such as symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), headaches, high blood pressure and stress-related fertility issues.

Anxiety is often considered a reaction that is caused by excessive stress, and it can become chronic if it occurs frequently. Using acupuncture for stress relief can successfully control anxiety disorders, but there are different types of acupuncture that practitioners might use to accomplish this goal. One of these is a method called auricular acupuncture, or ear acupuncture. This method, which involves the insertion of needles around the ears, is painless and often successful in the treatment of anxiety.

People who are suffering from stress in the form of PTSD might benefit from acupuncture. PTSD is a type of severe anxiety that is a result of a traumatic event, such as an assault or surviving a disaster. Receiving acupuncture for stress might help relieve some of the symptoms that are associated with it, such as depression, which can be worse during times of great stress.

Another potential benefit of acupuncture involves its use for infertility treatments. In some cases, the stress of trying to become pregnant can have a negative effect on a couple's ability to actually get pregnant. By reducing stress levels, acupuncture can help the patient feel more relaxed and might increase the chances of a child being conceived. This treatment is rarely used alone, but with the approval of a physician, it might be administered in conjunction with other fertility treatments.

People who suffer from headaches as well as elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, might also reap the benefits of acupuncture for stress relief. Both of these symptoms are commonly associated with stress and might improve with treatment. For people who have high blood pressure, acupuncture works by helping to decrease activity from the sympathetic nerves, which can result in lower blood pressure levels.