When Anxiety Lives in the Body

Anxiety is more than simply feeling worried.

For many people, it can become deeply physical — restlessness, trembling, shallow breathing, difficulty sleeping, a racing heart, or a constant feeling that the body simply cannot relax.

And it is increasingly common. New Zealand health data from 2021–23 found that around one in three adults (34.8%) reported mild or greater symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in the previous two weeks.

I see this physical side of anxiety in my clinic. One recent patient, whom I'll call John, had been living with anxiety for many years. When he first came in, it was difficult for his body to be still. Even when sitting, he was constantly moving. His hands would shake while he spoke, his eyes frequently darted around the room, and his breathing was shallow. At times, he felt as though he couldn't get enough air. He was also struggling with sleep.

What stood out to me was that his anxiety wasn't only happening in his thoughts.

His whole body seemed unable to settle.

For his treatment, I used my usual combination of acupuncture and Yin Yang Therapy.

After the acupuncture needles were in place, I applied Yin Yang Therapy. This is a hands-on, energy-based approach that I use alongside acupuncture, incorporating pulse assessment and regulation to guide the treatment.

I find that combining Yin Yang Therapy with acupuncture allows me to make the treatment more individualized and focused. In my clinical experience, many patients tell me they notice changes in certain symptoms or in their overall state during the treatment itself, often immediately, with the effects becoming more noticeable by the end of the session. Of course, everyone's response is different.

For John, we worked together over three treatments.

The change I observed was remarkable.

He became noticeably calmer. His hands were no longer shaking when he spoke. His gaze became much steadier. His breathing became deeper and more relaxed, his voice sounded more settled, and his sleep improved.

He told me it felt like "magic."

I wouldn't call it magic.

For me, it is about understanding the individual in front of me and finding the right approach for that person's body.

This experience is also one of the reasons I have developed a particular interest in supporting people experiencing anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances and emotional wellbeing concerns.

Acupuncture is increasingly being studied as a complementary approach for supporting people with anxiety. Recent research has reported promising results, although more high-quality research is still needed, particularly to better understand the long-term effects.

Mental health care does not have to be an either/or choice. Medication and psychological therapies can be important parts of treatment, while complementary approaches may also have a role for some people.

Prescribed medication should never be stopped or changed without discussing it with the prescribing healthcare professional.

Sometimes the better question isn't:

"Which treatment should replace the other?"

but:

"What combination of support might help this person feel and function better?"