In today’s fast-paced world, the body’s nervous system is often in a constant state of “fight or flight.” Whether from work stress, emotional strain, pain, or even technology overload, this chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system can leave people feeling anxious, tense, and fatigued. Acupuncture offers a natural way to restore balance by helping the body shift from stress mode into a state of deep relaxation and healing.
The Nervous System and Stress Response
The nervous system has two main branches:
- The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) triggers the body’s stress response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness.
- The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is responsible for rest, digestion, and recovery.
When stress becomes chronic, the SNS dominates daily functions, and the body struggles to return to a relaxed state. This can contribute to insomnia, digestive problems, anxiety, pain, and fatigue.
Acupuncture helps regulate the balance between these two systems by activating the parasympathetic response, often referred to as the body’s “rest and digest” mode.
How Acupuncture Calms the Nervous System
There are two other components of the nervous system important to Research shows that acupuncture influences both the central and peripheral nervous systems, stimulating the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins that reduce pain and promote a sense of well-being.
Some of the ways acupuncture supports relaxation include:
- Reducing cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone
- Increasing serotonin and dopamine, neurochemicals that stabilize mood
- Improving heart rate variability, a key marker of nervous system balance
- Enhancing vagal tone, which activates the parasympathetic system
During an acupuncture session, many patients feel their breathing slow, their muscles release tension, and their minds become calm and focused—sometimes even drifting into a restful nap.
Six Acupuncture Points That Help Relax the Nervous System
Acupuncturists select specific points depending on each patient’s needs, but the following points are commonly used to calm the mind and relax the body:
- Yintang (Extra Point)
Located between the eyebrows, Yintang is often called the “third eye” point. It calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and promotes restful sleep. Patients frequently report an immediate sense of peace when this point is needled. - Shenmen (HT 7)
Found on the wrist crease, Shenmen translates to “Spirit Gate.” It nourishes the Heart, quiets the mind, and is one of the most important points for insomnia, anxiety, and emotional stress. - Neiguan (PC 6)
Located on the inner forearm, this point soothes the chest, calms the spirit, and regulates the heartbeat. It’s often used for anxiety accompanied by palpitations or tightness in the chest. - Anmian (Extra Point)
Situated just behind the ear, Anmian means “Peaceful Sleep.” This point is specifically used to relieve insomnia and restlessness, making it ideal for patients who can’t quiet their minds at night. - Sanyinjiao (SP 6)
Found on the inner lower leg, this point harmonizes the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney meridians. It is deeply grounding and helps alleviate anxiety, hormonal imbalances, and sleep disturbances. - Taixi (KI 3)
Located near the inner ankle, Taixi nourishes Kidney energy—the foundation of vitality and resilience in Chinese medicine. It helps anchor the mind, ease fear, and stabilize emotions.
The Takeaway
Acupuncture’s ability to relax the nervous system goes far beyond symptom relief. By promoting harmony between body and mind, it helps patients feel calmer, sleep better, and respond to daily challenges with more ease. Whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, or simply want to support your overall well-being, acupuncture offers a safe and effective path back to balance.
References
PubMed. (2022, February). Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 46, 101541. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101541.
Wang, et al. (2023). Efficacy of manual acupuncture vs. placebo acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in perimenopausal women: A randomized, single-blinded controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1240489/full
Deadman, P., Al-Khafaji, M., & Baker, K. (2007). A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
