Research Overviewacupuncture

Does Acupuncture Support Stress and Chronic Pain?

Acupuncture has been studied in relation to several conditions including stress and chronic pain. Researchers continue to investigate how the therapy may influence physiological responses.

By Gyfts Editorial Team 26 August 2025

Reviewed by Dr. Ava Gardner · Integrative Medicine Researcher19 April 2026Emerging evidence

Does Acupuncture Support Stress and Chronic Pain? — holistic health

Photo by Katherine Hanlon on Unsplash

Quick answer

Research has explored acupuncture as a complementary therapy for conditions such as chronic pain and stress. Evidence reviews suggest that acupuncture may offer benefits for some individuals, although results vary between studies.

Key Takeaways

•Acupuncture has been studied extensively in pain research.
•Some evidence suggests benefits for certain chronic pain conditions.
•Research also explores potential stress-modulating effects.
•Findings vary depending on study design.
•More research continues to be conducted globally.

Research Into Chronic Pain

Chronic pain has been one of the most widely studied areas of acupuncture research. Large meta-analyses have examined patient outcomes across multiple randomized trials. Some findings suggest acupuncture may provide benefits beyond placebo for certain pain conditions.

Exploring Stress and Wellbeing

Researchers have also investigated how acupuncture may influence stress responses. Some studies explore physiological indicators such as cortisol levels, heart rate variability, and neurological responses.

Integrative Healthcare Context

Because acupuncture is relatively low risk when performed by trained practitioners, it is sometimes incorporated into integrative care plans alongside other approaches. Individuals often consult healthcare professionals to determine appropriate options.

Evidence Context

moderate

Meta-analyses and clinical studies suggest acupuncture may offer measurable benefits in certain chronic pain contexts. Research regarding stress responses and related conditions continues to evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture used for chronic pain?

Research has explored acupuncture for several chronic pain conditions including back pain and headaches.

Can acupuncture help with stress?

Some studies investigate whether acupuncture influences physiological stress responses.

Is the research conclusive?

Results vary across studies and more research continues to be conducted.

Should acupuncture replace medical treatment?

Acupuncture is typically considered a complementary approach and individuals should consult qualified healthcare professionals.

References

[1]
Vickers, A. J., et al. (2018). Acupuncture for chronic pain: Update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. Journal of Pain, 19(5), 455–474. View source
[2]
Eshkevari, L., et al. (2013). Acupuncture blocks cold stress-induced increases in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis. Journal of Endocrinology, 217(1), 95–104. View source

Written by

Gyfts Editorial Team

Editorial team at Gyfts researching holistic health modalities.

Reviewed by

Dr. Ava Gardner

Integrative Medicine Researcher

MB BCh BAO, MSc Integrative Medicine, MRCGP

Dr. Ava Gardner is a Dublin-based integrative medicine physician with over 15 years of clinical experience bridging conventional general practice and evidence-based complementary care. She holds a Masters in Integrative Medicine from the University of Arizona and has worked extensively in chronic pain management, women's hormonal health, and mind-body medicine. Dr. Gardner reviews health content for Gyfts to ensure clinical accuracy, balanced evidence presentation, and responsible safety guidance across modality and condition pages.

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