Acupuncture for Anxiety
Calm your mind, sleep more deeply, and feel more balanced. Personalised acupuncture programmes from a licensed practitioner in Blanchardstown and Castleknock.
Book Your First Session or Call (01) 524 0874
Who We Help & What You Might Be Experiencing
We support people managing generalised anxiety, work stress, panic responses, social anxiety, and sleep disruption linked to worry and tension. Our treatments work safely alongside counselling, medication, and other therapies you're already using.
Common experiences we address:
• Racing thoughts that won't switch off, especially at bedtime
• Physical tension – tight jaw, clenched shoulders, neck stiffness
• Sleep problems – trouble falling asleep, early waking, restless nights
• Stress symptoms – butterflies, heart flutters, digestive upset
• Work overwhelm and screen-time fatigue
• Hormonal anxiety during menopause or around your cycle
How Acupuncture Can Support Your Nervous System
Research suggests acupuncture may help regulate the stress response by supporting your parasympathetic "rest-and-digest" system. The fine needles work to modulate neurotransmitter activity, ease muscle tension, and improve sleep quality, all factors that contribute to feeling more balanced.
In Ireland, 42% of adults experience a mental health disorder, with generalised anxiety disorder affecting 7% of the population. Financial worry remains the top stressor for 81% of people taking action to address their mental health.
What each session addresses:
• Your specific triggers – work pressure, hormones, sleep patterns
• Physical tension patterns – jaw clenching (TMJ), tight shoulders, neck stiffness
• Sleep restoration and evening wind-down routines
Complementary approaches we use:
• Auricular (ear) acupuncture for on-the-go calm
• Gentle electro-acupuncture for deeper nervous system regulation
• Cupping where suitable for releasing shoulder and neck tension
• Acupressure techniques you can use at home
• Breathing guidance for immediate stress relief
What to Expect from Your Treatment
Your first visit (60 minutes):
Complete health history focusing on your anxiety patterns, sleep quality, and physical symptoms. We'll discuss your goals, identify key triggers, and may use simple tracking tools (like sleep scores) if you choose. Your first acupuncture treatment begins during this session.
During treatment:
You'll rest comfortably while ultra-fine, single-use sterile needles are placed at specific points. Most people feel a gentle sensation, tingling or warmth, rather than pain. Sessions take place in a quiet, warm room designed for deep relaxation.
Your typical programme:
Most people start with 6-8 sessions over 6-8 weeks, then review progress. You'll receive guidance on sleep routines, simple acupressure points for home use, and breathing techniques between sessions.
Results vary by individual, we adapt your plan based on how you respond and track your progress together.
Evidence & Our Clinical Approach
NICE guidelines now include acupuncture as a recommended treatment for chronic primary pain, acknowledging its effectiveness in clinical trials. While research specifically on anxiety continues to develop, studies suggest that acupuncture can modulate stress hormones and support nervous system balance.
Our clinic approach:
• Personalised protocols based on your specific anxiety patterns
• Progress tracking using sleep quality and symptom frequency measures
• Collaborative care – we're happy to communicate with your GP or therapist
• Clear guidance in plain English, no confusing jargon
Want to read more? The NHS provides balanced information about acupuncture's current evidence base and safety profile.
Simple Self-Care Between Sessions
Quick techniques to try:
• 4-7-8 breathing: Inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8
• Jaw release: Gentle circles, warm compress for tight jaw muscles
• Sleep routine: Fixed wake time, dim lights 60 minutes before bed
• Hydration: Moderate caffeine (before 2pm), increase water intake
• Worry window: Set aside 10 minutes daily for anxious thoughts, then close it
DIY acupressure points:
Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan): Three finger-widths below your wrist crease, between the tendons. Press gently for 30 seconds when feeling anxious.
Yin Tang: The point between your eyebrows. Light pressure here can help calm racing thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is acupuncture safe for anxiety?
Yes, when performed by qualified practitioners. The NHS considers acupuncture generally very safe with trained professionals. All our needles are single-use and sterile, and our practitioner holds full professional indemnity insurance.
Can I continue my medication and therapy?
Absolutely. Acupuncture works well alongside SSRIs, benzodiazepines, and talking therapies. Always inform us about medications you're taking, and we'll coordinate with your healthcare team when helpful.
Will it help with sleep and stress-related digestive issues?
Many clients notice improved sleep quality and reduced stress-related symptoms like nausea or IBS flare-ups. We address these as part of your overall nervous system support.
Is auricular (ear) acupuncture effective for anxiety?
Ear acupuncture offers a targeted approach for anxiety relief. The ear contains numerous points that correspond to the nervous system, and treatments here can provide both immediate calm and longer-lasting balance.
Is it suitable during pregnancy or postpartum?
Yes, acupuncture is the perfect way to relieve stress and tension during pregnancy and is an excellent support for postpartum anxiety and the sleep disruption that comes with new parenthood. Please mention if you're breastfeeding.
Ready to Feel More Grounded?
You don't have to manage anxiety alone. Acupuncture offers a gentle, evidence-informed way to support your nervous system and restore balance—without side effects or dependency concerns.