The Best Acupuncture Points for Anxiety and Stress Relief

What parts of the body are usually stimulated during acupuncture for anxiety and stress relief?

People often think of acupuncture as a way to relieve physical problems, but it also helps with mental issues. One of the most popular ways to use acupuncture treatment is to reduce a person’s anxiety and stress.

Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the most effective acupuncture points for anxiety and stress relief. We’ll then give you some tips on other stress-relieving activities.

The Best Acupuncture Points for Anxiety and Stress Relief

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that’s been around for thousands of years. The best part about using acupuncture for anxiety and stress relief is that there are several different points on your body that can help. We’ve put together a quick list of our favorite acupuncture points for these very important issues:

Yin Tang (EXHN3) — This acupuncture point is located between the eyebrows and is often associated with headaches and insomnia. Many people refer to it as the “third eye” and have reported that it has a mentally stabilizing effect.
Heart 7 (HT7) — This point is located on your wrist crease. This pressure point has been shown to reduce anxiety related to alcohol and other substances. If a person is dealing with anxiety related to alcohol abuse or misuse, this acupuncture point will be integrated into a session.
Baihui (GV 20) — This acupuncture point is located at the top of your head and is said to be able to clear your mind and uplift your spirit. This is one of the biggest reasons why it’s used in treatments where the goal is to reduce stress and anxiety.
Shenmen (HT7) — Located on your wrist, this point is especially susceptible to electroacupuncture. In addition to helping with anxiety, it can also improve your nightly sleep cycle. And that, in turn, can also help with anxiety and stress.
Governing Vessel 24 (GV24) — This acupuncture point is located approximately one-half inch into your hairline at the center of your head. It’s said to have a calming effect that can help people suffering from anxiety, insomnia, headaches, vertigo, and other problems.
Governing Vessel 11 (G11) — Many people have noted that when they’re stressed or anxious, the area between their shoulder blades tightens up. That’s where this acupuncture point is located, and using it as an ongoing regimen has been found to be quite effective.

Other Stress-Relieving Activities to go with Acupuncture

In addition to acupuncture, there are several different types of stress-relieving activities that you can try. Incorporate some of these into your daily routine, and you’ll quickly feel the stress melting away.

Move Your Body — The first thing you should try to do is get your body moving every single day. With so many of us leading more sedentary lives because of our jobs and entertainment, it’s easy to sit for long periods of time, which can add to your stress level. Even something as simple as stretching or doing a little yoga will go a long way toward reducing stress.
Watch Your Diet — Not only can a person’s diet influence their stress level, but it’s also important for maintaining the effects of acupuncture. After you finish your session, focus on eating a nutritious meal. Plant-based is perfect. Also, drink lots of water. If you’re really serious about it, we’d suggest that you hire a nutritionist.
Breathing Exercises — Many people are aware that deep breathing exercises can reduce stress, but not enough people do them. Proper breathing will reset your nervous system and help calm your nerves. Breathe in for seven seconds, hold for a second or two, and then exhale for seven seconds. Do this four times per minute until you feel more relaxed.
Self-Massage — Acupressure is a type of self-massage that uses acupuncture points for stress relief. It’s an effective therapy that can be used between acupuncture sessions. It’s a good idea to ask your acupuncturist for a customized list of acupressure points that will target your particular health concerns.
Social Connections — Throughout the pandemic, many people were at a higher level of stress and anxiety because they weren’t connected with friends and family members. Now that it’s much safer to interact, you need to make sure that you’re spending time with others whenever possible.

Contact East West Healing Solutions for Acupuncture Points for Anxiety

East West Healing Solutions uses a variety of acupuncture points for anxiety and other physical and mental ailments. If you would like to make an appointment, call our office at (727) 216-3972 today.

About the Author: Marie Perkins

Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl. Ac. is one of the most recognized practitioners in Palm Harbor as a “non-pharmaceutical” pain specialist. She is the founder of East West Healing Solutions and is dedicated to helping patients enjoy optimum health. Born and raised in Quebec City Canada, Dr. Perkins received her Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy from University Laval in 1993. Her passion led her to leave everything behind and immigrated to Florida in 1995. She proceeded with acquiring her Massage Therapy license from Bahkti Academy in 1999 and her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2004. Her goal for founding East West Healing Solutions was to be a pioneer in the community working at bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Medicine. She has established strong partnership with Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurologists, Pain Management Physicians, Doctors of Chiropractic, Rehabilitative Specialists, Athletic Directors, Coaches and Personal Injury Attorneys in the community proving not only that it can be done but also that a cohesive team approach is often the most efficient way to help a patient.. “Over the years I have continued to add to my knowledge in order to be able to help as many patients I possibly could. Most of the time, a joint effort from Western and Eastern Medicine is required to obtain optimal health. For that reason, patients should proactively seek a team of highly trained professionals in various fields, all working toward one common goal; the PATIENT’S best interest. Your health portfolio should be built with the same concepts as your financial portfolio; diversification is the key!, Dr. Marie Perkins tells her patients.” Aside from offering Traditional Acupuncture to Palm Harbor patients, her clinic also offers several other complementary treatments such as Herbal prescriptions, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxibustion, Diathermia, Dry Aqua Massage, Cold Laser Therapy, Medical Massage and Postural Analysis among others. Dr. Perkins also develops customized, personal healing and health plans for each patient at East West Healing Solutions.