Explore acupuncture, stress management and a little time for yourself at Morningside Acupuncture Natural Medicine.
Stress is a common part of modern life.
Work demands, family responsibilities, financial pressures, and major life changes can all affect our physical and emotional wellbeing. Occasional stress is a normal response to challenging situations. Ongoing stress may influence sleep, energy levels, concentration, and overall health and quality of life.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises that prolonged stress can affect both physical and mental health, highlighting the importance of developing effective strategies to support wellbeing [1].
Acupuncture is a form of traditional healthcare that has been practised for thousands of years and is commonly used by people seeking support for their general health and wellbeing. Many people choose to include acupuncture as part of a broader approach to self-care alongside regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and other healthy lifestyle practices.
How Does the Body Respond to Stress?
When we experience stress, the body activates a natural response designed to help us manage challenges. This response involves communication between the brain, nervous system, and hormones, including the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
In the short term, these changes help us respond to demanding situations. However, when stress persists over long periods, some people may notice effects on their overall wellbeing.
Additionally, stress can be experienced differently from person to person, and common experiences may include.
- Difficulty switching off or relaxing
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Feelings of tension or overwhelm
- Reduced concentration or focus
- Changes in energy levels
The WHO acknowledges that chronic stress may contribute to sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, physical tension and other health concerns. This highlights how stress management can support overall well‑being.
Acupuncture and the Stress Response
Scientific research has increasingly explored the potential effects of acupuncture on physiological processes associated with the body’s stress response, particularly the autonomic nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in regulating functions such as heart rate, breathing and the body’s response to physical and emotional demands.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine examined nine randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of acupuncture on heart rate variability (HRV), a physiological measure associated with autonomic nervous system activity.
The researchers found evidence suggesting that acupuncture may influence parasympathetic nervous system activity, which is involved in the body’s rest-and-recovery processes. However, they also highlighted limitations in the available research and the need for further investigation [2].
What Does Research Tell Us About Acupuncture and Anxiety?
Research has also examined acupuncture in relation to anxiety, which may occur alongside periods of prolonged stress.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2026 examined 20 randomised controlled trials involving 1,462 participants.
The researchers reported that acupuncture was associated with reductions in anxiety symptoms compared with sham acupuncture or usual care. [3].
Another systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Neurology in 2025 examined 14 randomised controlled trials involving 968 participants diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder.
The review reported improvements in measures of anxiety and sleep quality, alongside changes in certain stress-related hormonal markers.[4].
It is important to recognise that research involving people with diagnosed anxiety disorders does not necessarily establish the same benefits for everyday stress. Nevertheless, these findings contribute to our developing understanding of acupuncture and its potential relationship with physiological and psychological responses associated with stress.
A Personalised Approach to Acupuncture
An acupuncture consultation involves a comprehensive assessment of your current health concerns, medical history, lifestyle factors, and individual treatment goals.
Your practitioner will work with you to determine whether acupuncture may be appropriate for your circumstances and discuss a personalised treatment plan.
At Morningside Acupuncture Natural Medicine, we take a patient-centred approach that focuses on understanding each person’s unique circumstances and healthcare needs.
Taking a Holistic Approach to Wellbeing
Managing stress often involves a combination of strategies.
The World Health Organisation recommends approaches such as regular physical activity, maintaining healthy sleep habits, eating a balanced diet, staying socially connected and practising stress-management techniques [1].
Depending on your circumstances, managing stress may also involve seeking support from healthcare professionals, making time for enjoyable activities, and developing practical ways to manage everyday demands.
Acupuncture may be considered as part of a broader health management plan, and your practitioner can discuss how it may fit alongside other healthcare approaches.
Saturday Appointments Are Now Available
We understand that it can be difficult to prioritise your health during a busy work week.
To make accessing care more convenient, our Brisbane clinic, Morningside Acupuncture Natural Medicine, is now open on Saturdays with Dr Marcela Bowie.
If you would like to learn more about acupuncture or discuss your individual health concerns, schedule an appointment with one of our AHPRA-registered practitioners.
References
1. World Health Organisation (2026).
Stress. WHO Questions and Answers, 30 March 2026.
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress
2. Hamvas, S., et al. (2023).
Acupuncture increases parasympathetic tone, modulating HRV – Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 72, 102905.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102905
3. Jang, et al. (2026).
Acupuncture for Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
Journal of Clinical Psychology.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41460176/
4. Jiang, H., Ma, R., Huang, Y., Li, X., & Hao, Y. (2025).
Efficacy of acupuncture versus sham acupuncture on generalised anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Frontiers in Neurology, 16, 1682400.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2025.1682400
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and should not be taken as individual health advice. Acupuncture may not be suitable for everyone. Individual experiences and outcomes may vary. Research findings relating to anxiety disorders or physiological measurements should not be interpreted as a guarantee of effectiveness for everyday stress. Acupuncture should not replace recommended medical or psychological care. Please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner regarding your specific circumstances.
