Can acupuncture treat anxiety disorders?

Acupuncture can be used to treat anxiety disorders. Stimulating acupoints can help relax the muscles of the body, having a calming and soothing effect, which is why it can be somewhat effective for anxiety disorders. However, the effects of acupuncture are relatively slow to manifest. For patients with mild cases of anxiety disorder, acupuncture may be quite effective.

For patients with long-term and severe anxiety, relying solely on acupuncture may not be very effective. Therefore, it is recommended that they seek treatment at a mental health center and take Western medications regularly. Acupuncture can be used as an adjunctive therapy, or it can be combined with traditional Chinese medicine for a comprehensive treatment approach. Traditional Chinese medicine can alleviate the side effects of Western medications, such as dry mouth, constipation, and fatigue. A comprehensive treatment approach using both traditional Chinese and Western medicine can achieve better results.