Stress & Anxiety, Sleep & Insomnia, and Headaches
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture offer a gentle, holistic approach to supporting mental well-being, addressing not just symptoms but the root causes of imbalance.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are not just “in the mind” — they affect the whole body and can shape how we feel day to day. When left unchecked, they may impact our sleep, energy levels, digestion, immunity, and even our ability to focus or feel present in our relationships. This is why caring for stress and anxiety is such an important part of looking after your overall health and wellbeing.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, stress and anxiety can be understood in a few ways. Sometimes they are the result of a disruption in the natural flow of energy (Qi), while at other times they reflect a depletion of the body’s resources — leaving us feeling stretched thin, restless, or unable to fully recharge.
This can show up in many different ways:
Physical signs: tightness in the chest, shallow breathing, headaches, neck and shoulder tension, digestive changes, or fatigue.
Emotional signs: irritability, feeling easily overwhelmed, mood swings, or a sense of being unsettled.
Mental signs: overthinking, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, or trouble winding down at night.
Rather than seeing these experiences as “good” or “bad,” Chinese Medicine views them as signals that the body may be under strain. The focus of treatment is to help restore balance — supporting the body to regulate stress more effectively and replenishing the resources that allow us to feel calm, steady, and resilient.
Acupuncture is thought to work, in part, by influencing the nervous system — helping to shift the body out of a constant “fight or flight” state and encouraging a calmer, more restful state. Many people describe feeling deeply relaxed during or after treatment, which can help create space for the body and mind to restore. Herbal medicine, lifestyle guidance, and dietary support can also be included when appropriate.
Each treatment plan is tailored to you and your unique needs. Whether stress is showing up physically, emotionally, or mentally, your care is designed to support your overall wellbeing and help you feel more grounded in your daily life.
Sleep and Insomnia
Sleep is one of the body’s most essential forms of nourishment. It’s the time when we restore energy, repair tissues, and allow the mind to settle. When sleep is disrupted — whether through difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, restless nights, or waking unrefreshed — it can affect every part of life, from mood and focus to immunity and overall well-being.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, sleep problems can be understood in a few ways. Sometimes insomnia or restless sleep is linked to an over-activity or disturbance of Qi (energy) that prevents the mind from settling. Other times, it can reflect a depletion of the body’s resources, meaning there isn’t enough nourishment for the mind and body to fully rest.
Common ways this may show up include:
Difficulty falling asleep: often linked to overthinking, worry, or an inability to “switch off.”
Waking frequently during the night: sometimes connected to stress, physical discomfort, or disrupted energy flow.
Restless or dream-disturbed sleep: leaving you feeling tired or scattered upon waking.
Waking too early: often a sign of depleted energy, where the body struggles to sustain deep rest through the night.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine approach sleep holistically — seeing it as a reflection of the balance between body, mind, and emotions. Treatment may focus on calming the nervous system, supporting the natural rhythm of sleep and wake cycles, and replenishing resources so the body feels safe to rest deeply.
Many people find acupuncture itself relaxing, with treatments often bringing a sense of calm that carries over into improved rest. Herbal medicine, gentle lifestyle guidance, and dietary suggestions may also be included when appropriate to support sleep between sessions.
Each treatment plan is tailored to your unique presentation and needs. Whether you’ve struggled with sleep for a short time or it’s been an ongoing challenge, Chinese Medicine offers a way of supporting both the symptoms and the underlying patterns that contribute to restlessness, with the aim of helping you feel more restored and resilient.
Headaches and Migraines
Chronic headaches and migraines are often linked to stress, tension, or imbalances in the body. Acupuncture has been used as a supportive therapy for managing headaches, aiming to reduce their frequency or intensity by improving the flow of Qi and addressing underlying imbalances. Learn more about headaches from a TCM perspective here.
A Holistic Approach
Our practitioners take the time to understand your unique story, including your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health goals. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary advice, and lifestyle recommendations, all tailored to your individual needs.
If you’re curious about how acupuncture and TCM may support your journey toward better mental and physical well-being, book a consultation today. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
The information on this website is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific health needs.
