The fast-paced modern lifestyle places many people in a constant state of stress and nervous
system dysregulation. Prolonged stress can become chronic and affect far more than our mood.
Digestion, sleep, mental health, energy levels, immune function and even pain can all be
negatively impacted.

At our Gold Coast acupuncture clinic, many patients seek support for the toll that stress takes on their body and mental health.

This can look like:

  • a busy mind that can’t switch off
  • lying awake at night ruminating on events from the day
  • a heightened nervous system, feeling emotionally drained
  • exhausted
  • anxious
  • experiencing constant body tension or struggling to relax when arriving home from work
Other symptoms, such as IBS, digestive discomfort, inflammation, fatigue and broken sleep may
not appear to be related, however, they are often connected with the nervous system through
involvement of the vagus nerve.

 

Signs your nervous system may be stressed:
  • Feeling anxious or ‘on edge’
  • Poor sleep
  • Fatigue despite resting
  • Prolonged muscle tension
  • Frequent headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating or relaxing
Prolonged stress has negative impacts on the immune system, ageing, inflammation, mood, and
pain (7).

 

Acupuncture and Nervous System Regulation

Acupuncture has traditionally been used to restore balance within the body and mind. It is common
for patients to feel deeply relaxed during an acupuncture treatment, and often describe leaving
feeling “calm and grounded”. Acupuncture supports the body holistically, addressing not only
symptoms but also underlying causes and patterns.

 

A number of studies have shown that acupuncture has a positive effect on stress and anxiety (8). One of the main ways this occurs is through acupuncture’s influence on the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS comprises the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which are associated with the body’s “fight or flight” and “rest and digest” responses (4). Research has demonstrated that acupuncture can regulate ANS functions, including blood pressure, pupil size, skin temperature, muscle sympathetic nerve activity, heart rate and heart rate variability (HRT) (3). The ANS can respond within seconds to acupuncture stimulation (7). Some markers of physiological stress, such as HRV, may even improve over weeks to months with consistent acupuncture treatment (7).

 

The Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve (also known as Cranial Nerve X, with the Roman numeral “X” representing 10)
acts as the main communication highway between the brain and major organs such as the gut,
liver, heart and lungs (1). The vagus nerve is the primary component of the parasympathetic
nervous system; it plays a key role in digestion, stress response, inflammation, heart rate,
respiratory rate and certain reflex actions, such as coughing, sneezing and swallowing (1).

When the vagus nerve is functioning well, the body is able to better regulate, relax and restore. Research shows that acupuncture can reduce systemic inflammation by activating key neuro- immune pathways linked to the vagus nerve. It influences communication between the brainstem, nervous system, and immune cells, helping to reduce inflammatory signalling in the body (6). One of the most well-studied acupuncture points, ST36, has been shown to activate the vagus nerve-related pathways and have anti-inflammatory effects on multiple tissues and organs (6). It does this by targeting certain inflammatory cells, cytokines and cellular signalling pathways, helping support chronic inflammation and stress within the body (6).

Acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy to support vagus nerve function, reduce
stress, and improve overall health and wellbeing.

 

Stress and Digestion

Stress and digestion are closely linked. Many people notice that digestive symptoms worsen during
periods of repetitive or heightened stress, which can be explained by the vagus pathway
nerve. The vagus nerve can activate the parasympathetic system (“rest and digest”) by modulating
communication between the brain and gastrointestinal tract (1).

 

Stress and gut homeostasis are primarily linked through the “gut-brain axis”, which involves
neuroendocrine-immune regulatory networks throughout the body (9). Studies have found direct
links between gut health and stress-related disorders (9).

 

When the body experiences stress, it prioritises survival over digestive function. As a result, people
may commonly experience a range of uncomfortable digestive symptoms. Acupuncture can
therefore, it is an invaluable support not only for stress itself, but also for the cascade of symptoms
that can result from a dysregulated nervous system.
Digestive symptoms may include:
  • Bloating
  • Fluctuating bowel movements
  • Reflux
  • Change in appetite
  • IBS symptoms
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal discomfort

Traditions of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been practised for over 3,000 years (3). In recent decades, acupuncture has
become increasingly popular in Western countries, evolving into one of the most widely used forms
of complementary integrative medicine (2). Its rise in popularity can partly be attributed to its
effectiveness for pain relief and multiple other benefits, as scientific studies continue to
demonstrate its benefits within the Western medical system (2).

 

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture helps restore the balance between
yin and yang (3). This can be loosely translated into Western medical terminology as helping to
regulate the imbalance between parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system activity (3).
Acupuncture is a gentle treatment in which fine needles are inserted into specific points on the
body to help regulate imbalances. Different points produce different physiological effects (4).
Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate physical stress by regulating ANS activity, with distinct
effects observed across different acupuncture points used (5).

 

Stress Management & Emotional Wellbeing

While a certain level of stress helps us to adapt and respond to challenges in life, excessive stress
can negatively impact both our physical health and psychological well-being (9). Chronic stress can
lead to increased risk of mental illness and physical diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular
disease and digestive system disorders (9).

 

Supporting the nervous system is not just about reducing symptoms of stress, but also creating a
higher level of emotional resilience. Small, sustainable changes often have the greatest long-term
impact and can significantly improve the quality of life.

 

Practical ways to reduce stress include:
  • Spending quality time with loved ones- Practising mindfulness and meditation
  • Engaging in regular physical movement
  • Prioritising adequate sleep
  • Maintaining hobbies and enjoyable activities
  • Spending time in nature
  • Seeking professional support (e.g. counsellor or psychologist)
  • Receiving regular acupuncture treatments
A balanced nervous system, in turn, supports better health.

 

Summary

Stress, anxiety and digestive imbalances are closely connected through the nervous system and
vagus nerve. By supporting nervous system regulation through regular acupuncture, healthy
lifestyle habits, sleep and stress management strategies, it is possible to improve overall health
outcomes.

 

Acupuncture offers a holistic and clinically informed approach to addressing both the symptoms
and underlying imbalances associated with stress and nervous system dysregulation.
At Haynes Acupuncture and Coastal Natural Therapies, we support clients experiencing stress,
anxiety and digestive concerns with individualised acupuncture treatments grounded in Chinese
medicine.

 

Our practitioners look forward to supporting you on your health journey with an individualised
treatment plan. Book your appointment with us or in our Bundall Acupuncture Clinic now on (07)
5531 6461 or email us at info@haynesacupuncture.com.au
We will see you soon.

 

By Eryn Heddle

 

References

1. Breit, S., Kupferberg, A., Rogler, G., & Hasler, G. (2018). Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the
Brain–Gut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9(44). https://
doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00044‌

 

2. Jishun, J., & Mittelman, M. (2014). Acupuncture: Past, Present, and Future. Global Advances in
Health and Medicine, 3(4), 6–8. https://doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2014.042

 

3. Li, Q.-Q., Shi, G.-X., Xu, Q., Wang, J., Liu, C.-Z., & Wang, L.-P. (2013). Acupuncture Effect and
Central Autonomic Regulation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM,
2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/267959

 

4. Li, Y., Yao, J., Yan, X., Wang, W., Zhang, Y., Yuan, L., Hou, Y. and Li, Y. (2024). Advances in
Acupuncture regulation on the autonomic nervous system from 2013 to 2022: A bibliometric
analysis via CiteSpace’. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 80. https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.ctim.2023.103009

 

5. Li, L., Liang, S., Bai, J., Zeng, Y., Zhang, M., Li, Z., Yan, D., Hu, Y., He, L., Liu, Y., Liu, Q., Zhang,
Y., & Feng, M. (2025). Regulation of autonomic nervous system by acupuncture: a heart rate
variability study on physical stress. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 19. https://doi.org/10.3389/
fnhum.2025.1676863

 

6.‌ Li, N., Guo, Y., Gong, Y., Zhang, Y., Fan, W., Yao, K., Chen, Z., Dou, B., Lin, X., Chen, B., Chen,
Z., Xu, Z., & Lyu, Z. (2021). The Anti-Inflammatory Actions and Mechanisms of Acupuncture from
Acupoint to Target Organs via Neuro-Immune Regulation. Journal of Inflammation Research, 14,
7191–7224. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S341581

 

7. Sparrow, K., & Golianu, B. (2014). Does Acupuncture Reduce Stress Over Time? A Clinical
Heart Rate Variability Study in Hypertensive Patients. Medical Acupuncture, 26(5), 286–294.
https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2014.1050

 

8. Yang, X., Yang, N., Huang, F., Ren, S., & Li, Z. (2021). Effectiveness of acupuncture on anxiety
disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Annals of General
Psychiatry, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-021-00327-5

 

9. ‌ Zhang, H., Wang, Z., Wang, G., Song, X., Qian, Y., Liao, Z., Sui, L., Ai, L., & Xia, Y. (2023).
Understanding the Connection between Gut Homeostasis and Psychological Stress. The Journal
of Nutrition, 153(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.01.026