Acupuncture for Anxiety in Santa Monica

Discover how acupuncture can help with anxiety as a complementary therapy.

Learn the TCM view, Western biomedical mechanisms, what the research shows, and how many sessions you may need at Santa Monica–based Acupunctury.

Acupuncture is a low-risk, drug-free therapy many people use alongside counseling and conventional care to ease anxiety. Research suggests it can reduce anxiety symptoms (including generalized anxiety) with few adverse effects.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective: why anxiety shows up

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anxiety often reflects disharmonies such as:

• Heart–Shen disturbance (restlessness, palpitations, insomnia)

• Liver Qi constraint (tension, irritability, chest tightness)

• Spleen Qi deficiency (rumination, worry, fatigue, digestive upset)

• Kidney Yin deficiency (night anxiety, heat sensations, poor sleep)

TCM treatment aims to calm the Shen, move constrained Qi, and tonify underlying deficiencies so the nervous system can settle and sleep and digestion can normalize. Point selections are personalized (e.g., to regulate the Heart and Liver, anchor the Shen, and support digestion), and sessions may include auricular points and gentle adjuncts like breathing guidance.

Western biomedical view: how acupuncture may reduce anxiety

Modern studies propose several mechanisms:

• Autonomic nervous system rebalancing (shifting from “fight-or-flight” to “rest-and-digest”) measured by heart-rate variability changes.

• HPA-axis modulation (stress-hormone regulation).

• Neurochemical effects (endorphins, GABA, serotonin, and dopamine signaling associated with mood regulation).

• Brain network effects (changes in limbic and prefrontal regions implicated in anxiety and emotional regulation).

Collectively, these effects may translate to lower physiological arousal, improved sleep, and reduced somatic tension.

What the research says

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• A 2021 systematic review found acupuncture had beneficial effects for GAD compared with controls, while noting the need for higher-quality randomized trials. View the full BioMed Central study here.

• A 2022 meta-analysis focusing on GAD concluded acupuncture effectively relieved anxiety symptoms with fewer side effects, yet called for larger, rigorously designed RCTs. View the full PubMed study here.

Situational (pre-operative) anxiety

• A meta-analysis of 14 studies (1,034 participants) found acupuncture reduced pre-operative anxiety versus placebo or no treatment, supporting potential benefit in acute anxiety contexts. View the full NIH study here.

Bottom line: The evidence base is promising but mixed - especially encouraging for GAD and situational anxiety - so acupuncture is best viewed as a complementary therapy within a whole-person care plan.

What to expect at Acupunctury in Santa Monica

1. Thorough intake & personalized plan - We review health history, sleep, digestion, stressors, and goals; we align TCM patterns (e.g., Heart–Shen, Liver Qi, etc.) with your lived symptoms.

2. Treatment cadence - Most clients start with 1–2 sessions/week for 4–6 weeks, then taper as symptoms improve. Many notice shifts in sleep, muscle tension, and baseline calm within this window-consistent with trial timelines. 

3. Gentle, whole-system care - Sessions may include body and auricular points, breathing guidance, and lifestyle tips (sleep hygiene, gentle movement, nourishment strategies). If you already work with a therapist or psychiatrist, we coordinate as desired.

4. Safety - Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a licensed practitioner using single-use sterile needles; adverse events in anxiety studies were infrequent and mild. Always inform us about medications, pregnancy, bleeding issues, or implants.

Who may benefit

• Generalized worry, restlessness, irritability, muscle tension

• Somatic symptoms (palpitations, chest or throat tightness, GI upset)

• Sleep disturbance tied to stress or rumination

• Pre-event anxiety (presentations, procedures)

  
  

If symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening - especially with panic, depression, or thoughts of self-harm - please seek prompt medical and mental-health evaluation. Acupuncture complements but does not replace professional care.

Managing Anxiety with Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, anxiety is seen as a sign of imbalance within the body’s organ systems - especially the Heart, Liver, and Spleen, which together govern emotional stability, digestion, and mental clarity. When Qi (energy) becomes stagnant, deficient, or overheated, the mind loses its grounding.The goal of TCM is to restore balance and promote a calm, rooted state - both physically and emotionally.

1. Regulate Your Breath

In TCM, the Lung system governs Qi and influences how we process emotions. Practice: Slow, diaphragmatic breathing - inhale through the nose for 4 counts, exhale for 6 - helps anchor the Heart Qi and calm the Shen (spirit).

2. Nourish the Spleen and Stomach

Overthinking and worry weaken the Spleen, leading to fatigue and digestive upset, which can worsen anxiety. Practice:

• Eat warm, cooked meals at regular times.

• Avoid cold, raw, or overly sweet foods.

• Add grounding ingredients like oats, millet, pumpkin, and ginger.

  
  

3. Soothe the Liver Qi

The Liver ensures smooth flow of energy and emotions. When Qi stagnates, you may feel tense, irritable, or easily overwhelmed. Practice:

• Move daily - walk, stretch, or practice gentle yoga.

• Try acupressure on Liver 3 (Tai Chong) between the big toe and second toe to release tension.

• Express emotions through journaling or creativity.

  
  

4. Calm the Heart and Shen (Spirit)

The Heart houses the Shen - the spirit that governs joy, clarity, and connection. When it’s unsettled, anxiety and insomnia often appear. Practice:

• Massage Heart 7 (Shen Men) on the inner wrist crease to calm the mind.

• Limit stimulants like caffeine and alcohol.

• Create a nightly ritual - dim lights, herbal tea (like chamomile or jujube seed), and slow breathing before bed.

5. Balance Yin and Yang

Chronic stress often depletes Yin, leading to excess heat symptoms (night sweats, restlessness, palpitations). Practice:

• Incorporate restorative rest and gentle activities like Tai Chi or Qi Gong.

• Include Yin-nourishing foods like black sesame, goji berries, tofu, and cooked greens.

  
  

FAQs

Is acupuncture a replacement for therapy or medication? No. It’s a complementary modality that can pair well with CBT, mindfulness-based therapies, and, when prescribed, medication.

How quickly will I feel better?

Many trials measure outcomes around 4–6 weeks; individual timelines vary. Consistency matters.

Are there side effects?

Most are minor (temporary soreness, light bruising, relaxation fatigue). Serious complications are rare in licensed hands.

Ready to explore acupuncture for anxiety in Santa Monica?

If you’re seeking a calming, evidence-informed, and personalized approach, we’d love to help you build a plan that supports both body and mind.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

📞 Call/Text: (424) 252-1210

📧 Email: hello@acupuncturyla.com 

🌐 Website: www.acupuncturyla.com

🌐 Direct Booking Link: Acupunctury via JaneApp

📱 Instagram: @acupunctury

📍 Address: 1150 Yale St, Suite 10, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Medical disclaimer: This article is educational and not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare professionals. If you’re experiencing severe anxiety, panic, or thoughts of self-harm, please seek immediate care or call emergency services.