Conditions · Nervous system
Does this sound familiar?
The TCM view
Traditional Chinese Medicine describes stress patterns in terms such as Liver Qi stagnation and disturbances of the Shen (the mind/spirit). These terms describe how stress shows up physically — in digestion, sleep, menstrual cycles and muscle tension.
The medical view
Biomedically, chronic stress keeps the sympathetic ('fight or flight') system activated. Acupuncture is studied for effects on autonomic balance and anxiety symptoms. It's best seen as one tool within a broader plan that may include therapy, medication, movement and sleep care.
Your care at Seven Medicine
How long care usually takes
Many patients start weekly, then space visits out as they find their footing. Your plan adjusts to life's demands.
01
Calm, unhurried sessions that give your body a chance to relax.
02
Tension, digestion, sleep and cycle changes that come with stress are addressed directly.
03
Breathing, sleep routines, movement and food habits that are realistic for your schedule, with follow-up.
04
Acupuncture complements — never replaces — therapy or psychiatric care.
Research
Reviewed October 2026. Research describes groups of people, not guarantees for any individual. Explore the research →
Reviews suggest acupuncture may reduce anxiety symptoms, with side effects similar to control treatments, and a 2026 meta-analysis of 12 trials reported a benefit. Study designs vary widely and high-quality sham-controlled evidence is limited. Best viewed as a complement to established anxiety care.
A Cochrane review found evidence too low-quality to support or refute acupuncture for insomnia. A 2025 Cochrane review in people with cancer found it may help versus no treatment but may make little difference versus sham, and was likely less effective than CBT-I — which remains the recommended first-line treatment.
From Seven Medicine
Patient story · Longer-standing, whole-body concerns
When several longstanding symptoms overlap, care is often more consistent at first, then reduced as things improve.
Individual results vary. These stories describe individual patients and are not typical or guaranteed outcomes.
Patient experiences
Individual experiences vary. Testimonials reflect personal experiences, not typical or guaranteed results.
Meet your practitioner
DAcCHM, M.CM, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac.
Dr. Kristina completed her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine as valedictorian, summa cum laude, after earning master’s degrees in both acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her clinical training spans hospital and rehabilitation settings in Minnesota and clinical study in Zhengzhou, China.
She explains your care in both TCM and familiar medical terms, so you understand what she’s seeing, why she recommends what she does, and how you’ll know if it’s working.
Dr. Kristina holds a clinical doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. She is a licensed acupuncturist, not a medical physician (MD/DO), and works alongside — not in place of — your medical team.
FAQ
Some research suggests acupuncture may help anxiety symptoms, but anxiety and depression should be evaluated and treated by qualified mental-health professionals. We offer acupuncture as a complement to that care.
Very common — and not a problem. Needles are hair-thin, Dr. Kristina explains everything first, and you can pause at any time. Many needle-anxious patients find the experience calmer than expected.
Still have questions?
or call(507) 258-7771
