Stress has become one of the most common health complaints in the US and that is definitely true for many people here in the Howard County area. We used to think it was just something that impacted us mentally, but we know now how much it takes a toll physically. Tight shoulders, disrupted sleep, a racing mind, and a sense of being perpetually “on edge” are all signs that your nervous system needs support.
Acupuncture offers a time-tested, evidence-informed approach to calming the stress response — without medication and without side effects.
What Happens in Your Body When You’re Stressed
When you experience stress, your body activates its fight, flight, or freeze response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. In short bursts, this is healthy, protective, and necessary. We want to be able to use this system because lack of it is potentially more dangerous for us. When stress becomes chronic — as it often does with demanding work schedules, long commutes, and the pressures of daily life — the nervous system struggles to return to a calm baseline. Over time, chronic stress can contribute to anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, high blood pressure, and even immune dysfunction. The Mayo Clinic and National Institutes of Health state that 75-90% of all primary care visits are a result of stress-related symptoms.
How Acupuncture Addresses Stress at the Root
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body that influence the nervous system, hormone regulation, and circulation. Research suggests that acupuncture helps shift the body from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state — essentially hitting the reset button on your stress response. You may notice some of these shifts from sympathetic to parasympathetic right in the treatment room. Your heart rate might slow and coincide with slower, deeper breaths. Your muscles might relax and feel softer. You may hear increased borborygmi, or stomach sounds, as your digestive system starts functioning more efficiently in the rest-and-digest state. Your extremities might feel warm again if they were previously cold. You could even notice your near vision improve! Patients commonly report feeling deeply relaxed during and after treatment, often describing it as one of the most genuinely restful experiences they’ve had in months. Long term, as your body learns to regulate this movement from overusing the sympathetic aspect of your nervous system to allowing the parasympathetic system to shine, these changes can last longer. You could notice improved heart rate variability, reduced inflammation, sustained lower resting heart rate and more.
From a Traditional East Asian Medicine perspective, stress and anxiety are often related to stagnation. Even if that’s not the case, at Jennum O’Hara Acupuncture & Wellness, treatment is tailored to each patient’s unique presentation, which is why acupuncture addresses the whole person, not just a single symptom. Our providers design each treatment for exactly how YOU show up day to day.
What the Research Says
A growing body of clinical research supports acupuncture’s role in reducing anxiety. Studies have shown it can lower cortisol levels, reduce heart rate, and decrease self-reported anxiety scores. It is increasingly integrated into health programs alongside conventional care. While Dr. Jennum was with her son at Boston Children’s Hospital, she learned they offer acupuncture services to patients. This practice is becoming more common at hospitals throughout the US and has been routine care in many other countries.
What to Expect at Our Clinic
At our Howard County clinic, stress and anxiety treatments take place in a calm, private room designed to support deep relaxation. We offer daytime, evening and weekend hours to fit your schedule without long waits — so getting consistent care is practical, not a project. Most patients notice some meaningful shift within three to five sessions, though many feel a difference after their very first treatment. Keep in mind that everyone is different and your results can be supported by implementing behavior changes suggested by your provider. While behavior change is usually not necessary to notice change, it often amplifies results and helps maintain progress. If stress and anxiety are affecting your quality of life, we’d love to help. Book your first appointment here.