01/14/2026
In 11 clinical trials with over 800 participants, acupuncture eased anxiety more effectively than control groups—showing a moderate, meaningful reduction (Errington-Evans & Hughes, 2021).
What does that feel like in real life? A steadier breath. Fewer spiraling thoughts. More moments of "I can do this." The calm even held up at a 4-week follow-up. People facing big stressors—like dental procedures or cancer care—also reported noticeable relief.
Why it helps: brain scans suggest acupuncture calms the amygdala (your brain's alarm center) and supports better heart rate variability—your body's natural rhythm of calm. Side effects were mild, typically brief soreness (Errington-Evans & Hughes, 2021).
At Urban Acupuncture, we often blend body acupuncture with calming ear points like Shenmen, Heart, and Yintang—tailored to your needs. Curious what this could look like for your nervous system? Reach us at +1-773-727-5042 or visit https://urbanacupuncturechicago.com.
Source: Errington-Evans & Hughes, 2021.