Acupuncture for Mental Wellbeing
Author: Dr Danny T. Siegenthaler
Chinese Medicine Practitioner – MSc. (TCM), BSc. (Hons.), DTCM; DAc (Aust/China)
Supporting Stress, Emotional Balance and Overall Wellbeing
Modern life can place considerable demands on our physical and emotional resources. Work, family responsibilities, ongoing stress, poor sleep, illness, major life changes and simply having too little time to recover can all affect how we feel.
You do not necessarily need to have a diagnosed mental health condition to feel that your emotional wellbeing needs attention.
At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, acupuncture is used as part of an individualised approach to supporting people who may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted or simply not quite themselves.
Acupuncture is one of the principal treatment methods within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Our approach combines classical TCM assessment with contemporary understanding of health and wellbeing, while recognising the importance of appropriate medical and psychological care when it is required.
What do we mean by mental wellbeing?
Mental wellbeing is more than simply the absence of anxiety or depression.
It can include the ability to:
- cope with everyday stresses
- recover from periods of pressure
- sleep and rest adequately
- maintain emotional balance
- concentrate and think clearly
- maintain healthy relationships
- enjoy activities and interests
- adapt to change
- feel a sense of resilience and connection.
Our mental wellbeing can fluctuate throughout life.
There may be times when we feel calm, energetic and resilient, and other periods when stress, poor sleep, illness or major life changes leave us feeling depleted or overwhelmed.
Using acupuncture for mental wellbeing is one option for supporting wellbeing during these periods.
When might people consider acupuncture for mental wellbeing?
People seek acupuncture for many different reasons.
Some may be experiencing:
- ongoing stress
- difficulty switching off
- feeling overwhelmed
- emotional tension
- mental fatigue
- burnout
- irritability
- difficulty relaxing
- poor sleep associated with stress
- reduced energy
- difficulty maintaining emotional balance during a demanding period of life.
Others may simply feel that their usual sense of wellbeing has changed and want some support while they work through the underlying circumstances.
This is different from treating a specific mental health disorder.
If you are experiencing persistent anxiety and/or depression, our more specific resources may be more appropriate:
How can acupuncture support mental wellbeing?
Research into acupuncture and the nervous system has explored a range of physiological effects, although the mechanisms through which acupuncture influences health and wellbeing are not yet fully understood.
Acupuncture may influence processes involved in:
- nervous-system regulation
- stress responses
- pain processing
- muscle tension
- sleep
- relaxation.
People also commonly describe acupuncture treatments as deeply relaxing.
The experience of lying quietly during a treatment, taking time away from daily demands and allowing the body to settle may itself provide a valuable opportunity to pause and recover.
We therefore see acupuncture as part of a broader approach rather than as a single solution to every form of emotional distress.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective
Traditional Chinese Medicine views physical and emotional health as closely interconnected.
Rather than treating “mental wellbeing” as a separate part of the person, TCM considers the relationship between emotional state, physical health, sleep, digestion, energy and other aspects of an individual’s presentation.
A TCM practitioner may consider the state of Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang, together with the traditional organ systems and other aspects of the person’s overall pattern.
For example, prolonged stress may be associated with patterns involving Liver Qi stagnation, while fatigue, poor sleep or digestive difficulties may point towards other patterns.
These are concepts within the traditional Chinese medicine system and should not be interpreted as biomedical diagnoses.
The purpose of TCM pattern differentiation is to understand the individual presentation and use that information to individualise treatment.
Acupuncture for stress and feeling overwhelmed
Periods of prolonged stress can leave people feeling as though they are constantly “switched on”.
You may notice:
- difficulty relaxing
- racing thoughts
- physical tension
- irritability
- poor concentration
- disrupted sleep
- tiredness despite resting
- feeling unable to switch off.
Acupuncture may be used as part of a broader strategy to help people manage these periods of stress and support recovery.
Importantly, treatment does not remove the circumstances that are causing stress.
Where possible, it is also important to consider practical changes, rest, boundaries, social support and other strategies that address the sources of ongoing stress.
Acupuncture, sleep and emotional wellbeing
Sleep and emotional wellbeing are closely connected.
Periods of stress can make it difficult to fall asleep, cause frequent waking or leave you feeling unrefreshed.
Poor sleep can then make it harder to cope with everyday demands.
Acupuncture is sometimes used as part of an individualised approach to sleep problems, particularly where stress, tension or other symptoms are also present.
If insomnia is a significant or persistent problem, we also have a dedicated resource:
Supporting recovery from burnout and mental exhaustion
Burnout and prolonged mental exhaustion can occur when demands continue without adequate opportunity for recovery.
People may experience:
- persistent tiredness
- reduced motivation
- difficulty concentrating
- irritability
- sleep disturbance
- feeling emotionally drained
- reduced enjoyment of things they normally value.
Acupuncture may provide supportive care during periods of stress and exhaustion, but recovery from burnout generally requires prolonged treatment.
Depending on the circumstances, it may be important to consider:
- workload
- rest and recovery
- sleep
- physical activity
- nutrition
- boundaries
- social connection
- work or family pressures
- appropriate professional support.
Acupuncture can sit alongside these measures as part of a broader approach to wellbeing.
What happens during an acupuncture treatment?
Your first consultation will involve discussion of your health and the issues that have brought you to treatment.
Depending on your circumstances, your practitioner may ask about:
- stress
- sleep
- energy
- digestion
- physical tension or pain
- emotional wellbeing
- lifestyle
- other health conditions
- medications and existing healthcare.
A TCM pattern assessment may also include examination of the tongue and pulse.
Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles at selected acupuncture points.
Treatment is individualised rather than following a single “mental wellbeing” protocol.
Many people find acupuncture relaxing, although individual experiences vary.
Acupuncture as part of an integrative approach
Mental wellbeing is influenced by many aspects of life and health.
Depending on your circumstances, a broader approach may include:
- appropriate medical care
- psychological support or counselling
- regular physical activity
- adequate sleep
- nutritious food
- time outdoors
- relaxation practices
- meditation or mindfulness
- yoga
- Tai Chi or Qi Gong
- supportive relationships
- practical changes to reduce excessive stress.
Acupuncture for mental wellbeing can complement these approaches rather than replace them.
When stress becomes more than everyday stress
It is important to distinguish ordinary periods of stress or emotional strain from a mental health condition requiring professional assessment.
If you are experiencing persistent high levels of stress, significant low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, severe sleep disturbance, panic attacks or symptoms that are interfering with everyday life, speak with your GP or an appropriately qualified mental health professional.
Our more specific resources may also help you understand the different approaches:
Anxiety: A Chinese Medicine Perspective – explains how TCM understands anxiety and pattern differentiation.
Acupuncture for Anxiety and Depression – provides a more detailed discussion of acupuncture, current research, treatment and safety in relation to anxiety and depression.
Acupuncture can be used as complementary care where appropriate, but it should not replace necessary medical or psychological treatment.
Is acupuncture for mental wellbeing safe?
When performed by an appropriately trained and registered TCM practitioner, acupuncture is generally considered to have a good safety profile.
Your practitioner should be informed about relevant medical conditions, medications, pregnancy and other factors that may affect treatment.
If you are receiving medical or psychological treatment, let your healthcare providers know about any complementary therapies you are using.
Acupuncture for Mental Wellbeing at Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre
At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, we take a whole-person approach to health.
Dr Danny T. Siegenthaler has more than four decades of clinical experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. Together with Susan, he provides individualised care in a quiet, supportive clinical environment.
We recognise that mental wellbeing is personal.
For one person, treatment may focus on stress and difficulty switching off. For another, sleep, physical tension, fatigue or recovery from a demanding period of life may be more important.
Our aim is to understand your individual circumstances and develop an appropriate treatment approach rather than applying the same protocol to everyone.
If you would like to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate for your circumstances, contact Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre on 0492 814 971.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture for Mental Wellbeing
Can acupuncture help with stress?
Acupuncture may provide supportive care for people experiencing stress, particularly when stress is accompanied by physical tension, difficulty relaxing or sleep disturbance. It works best as part of a broader approach that also addresses the sources of ongoing stress.
Can I have acupuncture if I am not diagnosed with anxiety or depression?
Yes. People may seek acupuncture for general wellbeing, stress, emotional tension, poor sleep or difficulty recovering from demanding periods of life without having a diagnosed mental health condition.
Is acupuncture the same as psychological treatment?
No. Acupuncture and psychological therapies are different approaches. Acupuncture may be used as complementary care, but it should not replace appropriate psychological treatment when this is required.
Can acupuncture help with burnout?
Acupuncture may provide supportive care during periods of stress and exhaustion, but recovery from burnout usually requires attention to the circumstances contributing to it, including workload, rest, sleep, boundaries and appropriate professional support.
What if I have anxiety or depression?
If you have persistent anxiety or depression, appropriate medical or psychological assessment is important. Acupuncture may be considered as complementary care. See our dedicated Acupuncture for Anxiety and Depression resource for more information.
How many treatments will I need?
There is no fixed number of treatments that applies to everyone. Treatment frequency depends on your individual circumstances, symptoms, health and response to treatment. Your practitioner can discuss an appropriate approach with you.
A note about acupuncture for mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is not a fixed state. Everyone experiences periods of stress, uncertainty and emotional difficulty.
Seeking support does not mean that something is “wrong” with you.
Sometimes it simply means recognising that your physical and emotional resources need attention and giving yourself an opportunity to slow down, recover and reconnect with what supports your wellbeing.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or psychological assessment, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, depression, psychological distress or thoughts of self-harm, seek appropriate professional assistance.
Written and reviewed by Dr Danny T. Siegenthaler, Chinese Medicine Practitioner – MSc. (TCM), BSc. (Hons.), DTCM; DAc (Aust/China)
AHPRA Registration Number: CMR0001712202; Member of ATMS No. 23926
