How Acupuncture Supports Emotional Wellbeing

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views emotional health as an integral part of the body’s overall balance. Stress, anxiety, and emotional distress can disrupt the free flow of Qi (energy) and blood, leading to stagnation and imbalance.  Acupuncture works by regulating the nervous system, improving circulation, and promoting the release of endorphins and serotonin – helping to restore emotional equilibrium and resilience.

Emotional Health Challenges Acupuncture Can Support

1. Stress & General Emotional Wellbeing
Modern life is fast-paced, and chronic stress can take a toll on both emotional and physical health. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or personal pressures, acupuncture helps to calm the nervous system, regulate stress hormones, and promote a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. Many people find that regular acupuncture sessions improve their ability to cope with daily challenges and enhance overall emotional resilience. (1)

2. Anxiety & Depression
Acupuncture has been shown to support those experiencing anxiety and depression by balancing neurotransmitters and promoting relaxation. It can be particularly beneficial for women who experience mood imbalances related to hormonal shifts, helping to stabilise emotions and improve mental clarity. (1)

3. PMS and PMDD
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) can cause intense mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression in the days leading up to menstruation. Acupuncture helps to regulate hormone fluctuations, ease emotional symptoms, and support a smoother menstrual cycle. Many women experience relief from PMS-related mood disturbances with regular acupuncture treatments. (2,3)

(For more on Acupuncture for Menstrual Health, see our blog: https://www.fertilityacupuncturebrisbane.com/acupuncture-for-menstrual-health/) 

4. Menopause and Emotional Imbalance
As oestrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, many women experience mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and even depression. Sleep disturbances and hot flashes can further contribute to emotional distress. Acupuncture supports the body’s transition by regulating hormones, improving sleep, and calming the nervous system to ease emotional symptoms during this stage of life. (4)

(For more on Emotional Changes during Menopause, see our blog: https://www.fertilityacupuncturebrisbane.com/emotional-changes-during-perimenopause/)

5. Grief & Loss
Miscarriage, stillbirth, and fertility struggles can bring profound grief, which may be compounded by a lack of societal support or pressure to ‘move on.’  Acupuncture offers a gentle, nurturing approach to support emotional processing, reduce stress, and regulate the body’s response to grief. (1)

(For more on Coping with Grief around Pregnancy Loss and Fertility, see our blog: https://www.fertilityacupuncturebrisbane.com/coping-with-grief-around-pregnancy-loss-and-fertility/)

6. Birth Trauma & Emotional Recovery
Some women experience birth as a traumatic event, whether due to medical interventions, unexpected complications, or feelings of a loss of control. Postnatal PTSD and birth trauma can result in anxiety, flashbacks, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system, ease trauma-related symptoms, and support emotional healing. (1)

7. Stress and Emotional Strain in Fertility
Trying to conceive can be an emotionally demanding journey, especially when faced with uncertainty, medical interventions, or previous losses. Stress can negatively impact reproductive hormones and menstrual cycles, making conception even more challenging. Acupuncture helps to regulate the stress response, calm the nervous system, and create an optimal environment for fertility. (5)

(Read more about stress and fertility in our blog: https://www.fertilityacupuncturebrisbane.com/stress-fertility-liver-acupuncture/)

8. Anxiety and Depression in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is often portrayed as a joyful time, but it can also bring significant emotional challenges, including anxiety, mood swings, and prenatal depression. Fluctuating hormones, physical discomfort, and concerns about birth and motherhood can contribute to emotional distress. Acupuncture provides gentle and effective support to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance emotional stability during pregnancy. (1)

9. Postpartum Emotional Health
The postpartum period is a time of great transition, with rapid hormonal shifts, physical recovery, sleep deprivation, and the emotional demands of caring for a newborn. Many new mothers experience baby blues, while others may develop postpartum anxiety or depression. Acupuncture helps to stabilise mood, replenish energy, and support overall wellbeing, making it a valuable tool in postpartum care. (1)

A Holistic Approach to Emotional Health

At Yin Wellness Brisbane, our treatments go beyond acupuncture alone. We take a holistic approach, incorporating Chinese medicine principles, diet and lifestyle recommendations, and relaxation techniques to support long-term emotional wellbeing. Each session is tailored to your individual needs, creating a personalised treatment plan to help you feel more grounded, calm, and emotionally balanced.

Trusted Referral Network for Emotional Wellbeing

We recognise that acupuncture is just one part of emotional healing, and we work closely with trusted counsellors, grief specialists, and psychologists to provide well-rounded support. If you are in need of additional care, we can refer you to our trusted list of experienced professionals:

If you are experiencing emotional distress related to fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or hormonal imbalances, acupuncture may offer a natural and supportive solution. 

References

1. Li QQ, Shi gx, xu Q, Wang J, Liu CZ, Wang LP. Acupuncture effect and central autonomic regulation. evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:267959. doi:10.1155/2013/267959

2.Armour M, Ee CC, Hao J, Wilson TM, Yao SS, Smith CA. Acupuncture and acupressure for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Aug 14;8(8):CD005290. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005290.pub2. PMID: 30105749; PMCID: PMC6513602.

3. Kafaei-Atrian M, Mirbagher-Ajorpaz N, Sarvieh M, Sadat Z, Asghari-Jafarabadi M, Solhi M. The effect of acupressure at third liver point on the anxiety level in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2016 Mar-Apr;21(2):142-6. doi: 10.4103/1735-9066.178233. PMID: 27095986; PMCID: PMC4815368

4. Zhao, F.Y., Fu, Q.Q., Kennedy, G.A., Conduit, R., Zhang, W.J., Zheng, Z. (2021). Acupuncture as an independent or adjuvant management to standard care for perimenopausal depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry, 12, Article 666988.

5. Smith, CA, de Lacey, S, Chapman, M, et al. The effects of acupuncture on the secondary outcomes of anxiety and quality of life for women undergoing IVF: A randomized controlled trial. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2019; 98: 460- 469.