STRESS, ANXIETY & SLEEP
Acupuncture for Stress, Anxiety and Sleep
Many patients tell us they come for pain and keep coming because they feel calmer. Acupuncture can be a gentle, supportive part of looking after your mental well-being, alongside care from your doctor, counsellor or psychologist.
What a session is like
Treatment takes place in a quiet room. After a short check-in, fine needles are placed and you rest for a period of time. Many people find this the most relaxing part of their week. You can ask for fewer needles or a gentler approach at any time.
What the research shows
Research suggests acupuncture may influence the nervous system and stress hormones. Studies on anxiety and insomnia are promising, but many are small, so the evidence is still mixed. We see acupuncture as a complement to, not a replacement for, mental health care.
Often combined with
- Counselling or therapy
- Sleep habits: regular wake time, less screen time before bed
- Regular physical activity
- Support for pain or tension that keeps you up at night
If you are in crisis
If you are thinking about suicide or are in immediate danger, call or text 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) or call 911. In Alberta you can also call the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642.
How treatment works at Healify
- Your first visit (60 minutes) includes a full health history, a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment and your first treatment.
- Frank explains what he thinks is contributing to your symptoms, what acupuncture can and can’t realistically do, and a suggested plan.
- Many people start with a short course of about 4–6 sessions. We review progress together, and if you aren’t seeing meaningful change we discuss whether to continue or whether another provider would help more.
Common questions
Can acupuncture replace my anxiety medication?
No. Don’t change any medication without talking to your prescriber. Acupuncture can be used alongside it.
I’m nervous about needles. Is this for me?
Many anxious patients start with a free meet and greet so they can see the room and the needles first. We go at your pace.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-effectiveness-and-safety