Acupuncture for Anxiety: Benefits, Side Effects, and What to Expect (2025)

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting needles into pressure points on your body, may potentially improve symptoms of anxiety.

Some scientific evidence that acupuncture helps with certain symptoms of anxiety. However, researchers are still trying to determine the effect of acupuncture on specific types of anxiety, such as:

Keep reading to learn more about the possible benefits of acupuncture for anxiety, safety considerations, and how to find a licensed acupuncturist.

Research into the potential of acupuncture to treat anxiety is ongoing. Older research, as explained by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), found a possible benefit in symptom reduction. However, the sample sizes were generally small, and the research was high quality enough to confirm the benefits.

A 2021 review of research suggests acupuncture reduced preoperative anxiety in participants who later had surgery.

Another research review from 2021 focused on the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing anxiety symptoms in participants with generalized anxiety disorder. The included studies suggested a potential benefit compared to other treatment options, which varied across studies but included anti-anxiety medications, other Chinese traditional medicine therapies, and sham acupuncture. However, the authors pointed out that most of the included studies were written in Chinese about studies that took place in China, where the public generally accepts the practice of acupuncture to treat health conditions. They also noted a possible language bias in compiling the results.

A 2022 review of research found similar benefits and noted that larger, higher-quality studies are still needed to support the possible benefits of acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder and other causes of anxiety.

In general, the mechanisms of how acupuncture works are not fully understood. Researchers hypothesize that it may affect specific nerves, the nervous system, and other body systems. However, research has also found that nonspecific effects, or incidental aspects of treatment rather than its main mechanism of action, may explain some of acupuncture’s potential benefits.

While we need to better understand how acupuncture affects anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias, research shows some promise of acupuncture as a safe and effective option.

The NCCIH is currently funding research to evaluate the benefits of a portable acupuncture-based nerve stimulation device for anxiety.

While acupuncture won’t make your anxiety worse, it does come with some possible side effects and risks.

You can avoid most of these by making sure you see a licensed acupuncturist. In the United States, license requirements vary from state to state, but most require taking an exam from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). You can search for a licensed practitioner on the NCCAOM website.

The main side effect of acupuncture is soreness following a session. This usually goes away within a few hours, though it can also cause some bruising. Some people also feel pinpricks of pain during a session.

In the U.S., licensed acupuncturists are required to use sterile, disposable needles. You could get an infection if your practitioner does not use properly sterilized needles.

People with some health conditions may need to talk with a doctor before pursuing acupuncture or avoid it altogether. This can include if you

It’s also important to keep up with any ongoing anxiety treatment, including taking prescribed medications, while getting acupuncture. Never stop taking any prescribed medications without first discussing it with your doctor.

Some medications for mental health conditions can cause severe side effects if stopped suddenly. It’s best to talk with a doctor about a plan for tapering off of these medications if you both decide you no longer need them.

During your first appointment, the acupuncturist typically asks about the symptoms you’re experiencing.

They may also ask about:

It is a good time to ask any lingering questions about the process.

During your session, your acupuncturist inserts long, thin needles into different pressure points on your body. Depending on the pressure points used, this could take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Your acupuncturist might twist the needles or apply an electrical pulse to them. They may leave the needles in for up to 40 minutes before carefully removing them.

You likely won’t feel instant gratification. Most acupuncture treatments are intended to be repeated. Some people report immediate improvements, but most notice subtle and gradual changes after repeated visits.

Before you go, make sure you understand the costs involved. Some health insurance plans cover acupuncture for medical or mental health conditions, including anxiety, but others may not. Some acupuncturists may also not accept insurance, so ask beforehand.

Acupuncture may be an effective low risk treatment option for anxiety. Though more research is needed, acupuncture may help reduce anxiety symptoms.

Make sure you find a properly trained licensed acupuncturist in your state. They’ll be registered with the state health board. It’s also important to keep up with your other anxiety treatments, such as therapy or medication.

You may also want to use other alternative treatments, such as relaxation, exercises, and meditation, to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.