Anxiety and depression are common mental health conditions affecting a significant portion of the adult population [6]. While pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are primary treatments, treatment discontinuation and failure are common, leading many to explore complementary therapies like acupuncture [6]. These emotional disorders often co-occur with chronic physical conditions, complicating overall health and quality of life [1, 2, 3, 4, 7].
Acupuncture as a Complementary Therapy
Acupuncture, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, involves stimulating specific points on the body, typically with thin needles. It is increasingly being investigated for its potential role in managing emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression [1, 6]. Many medical providers are becoming more aware of these therapies as patients show growing interest in their use [6].
Evidence in Parkinson's Disease
Anxiety and depression are significant non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), often closely linked to the severity and accelerated progression of the disease [1, 3, 8]. These emotional symptoms can remain untreated, highlighting a need for effective interventions [3].
- A systematic review and network meta-analysis, published in 2025, evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture in improving anxiety and depression in PD patients. The study found that acupuncture therapies showed effective results for both motor and emotional symptoms in this population [1].
- A randomized clinical trial from 2022 specifically investigated the effect of acupuncture versus sham acupuncture for treating anxiety in patients with PD. This double-blinded study found acupuncture to be effective for anxiety in PD patients [3].
Acupuncture for Post-Stroke Emotional Disorders
Stroke patients frequently experience depression and anxiety disorders, which can impact their recovery and quality of life. A prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind study published in 2024 aimed to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture in post-stroke depression and anxiety disorders and its potential to reduce the need for anxiolytic and sedative drugs [2].
- The study included 54 stroke patients, divided into an acupuncture treatment group and a control group, both receiving a conventional rehabilitation program. Acupuncture was performed twice a week for four weeks [2].
- Evaluations at week 4 and week 8 showed a significant decrease in mean scores for both the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) within each group [2].
- However, at week 4 (the primary outcome measure), no significant differences were observed between the acupuncture group and the control group in HAM-A or HAM-D scores [2].
Impact on Migraine-Related Anxiety and Depression
Migraine patients often experience co-occurring anxiety and depressive disorders, which can affect their cognitive function and prognosis [4].
- A retrospective study from 2025 investigated the effects of auricular pressure bean combined with wrist-ankle needle on migraine patients with anxiety and depressive disorders. After four weeks of treatment, improvements were observed in pain intensity, depression severity, and anxiety severity across the groups, with the combined therapy group showing notable benefits [4].
- Another study, published in 2025, explored the use of low-dose botulinum toxin at specific acupuncture points for vestibular migraine patients. This treatment led to statistically significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and stress scores over a six-month follow-up period [7].
Acupuncture and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression can influence the efficacy of treatments for other conditions. A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, published in 2026, investigated the influence of emotional disorders on the efficacy of acupuncture in refractory diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (RIBS-D) [5].
- The study found that acupuncture was effective for alleviating abdominal pain and diarrhea in patients with RIBS-D [5].
- It also highlighted that the presence of anxiety or depression could impact how effectively acupuncture works for the physical symptoms of IBS, suggesting a complex interplay between emotional state and treatment outcomes [5].
Important Considerations
While research continues to explore the benefits of acupuncture for anxiety and depression, it is important to view it as a complementary therapy rather than a standalone cure [6]. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation. Acupuncture should be performed by a qualified and licensed practitioner.
Sources
- [1] Acupuncture for the anxiety and depression in Parkinson disease: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40797432/
- [2] Effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in post-stroke depression and anxiety disorders: a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39587915/
- [3] Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Anxiety Among Patients With Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36129711/
- [4] Effect of auricular pressure bean combined with wrist-ankle needle on cognitive function and prognosis in migraine patients with anxiety and depression disorders. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41552290/
- [5] Influence of Emotional Disorders on the Efficacy of Acupuncture in Refractory Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42394258/
- [6] Complementary Therapies for Mental Health Disorders. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28802467/
- [7] Efficacy of Low-Dose BoNT-A Acupoint Injections in Managing Headache, Vertigo, and Allodynia in Vestibular Migraine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40693647/
- [8] Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Parkinson Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33957132/