Natural Anxiety Relief with Acupuncture in Portland
Anxiety isn’t just in your head it’s in your body, too. It might show up as tension that won’t ease up, racing thoughts that don’t stop, sleep that won’t come, or even a stomach that seems tied in knots. For many people, it feels like the body is stuck in a state of alarm.
At Inner Sanctuary Wellness, we work with your whole system mind, body, and spirit. Our acupuncture treatments are designed to bring you out of fight-or-flight mode and into a calmer, steadier place. We’re here to help you feel safe in your body again.
How Acupuncture Helps Ease Anxiety
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anxiety is connected to imbalances in organs like the heart, liver, or kidneys. These imbalances can lead to disrupted energy flow, excess internal heat, and a nervous system that’s out of sync.
Acupuncture helps by:
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Calming the nervous system
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Easing mental loops and overthinking
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Improving blood flow to your brain and heart
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Relaxing tension stored in the body
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Supporting deep rest and emotional reset
People often describe feeling like they can finally take a deep breath after a session.
Symptoms We Often Work With
Whether anxiety shows up as constant worry or sudden panic, we’re here to support people dealing with:
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Restlessness or fear
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Panic attacks
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Trouble falling or staying asleep
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A racing heart or fluttering feeling
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Chest tightness or shallow breathing
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Stomach issues that flare with stress
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Feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated
Acupuncture offers a natural, non-invasive way to help your system shift out of these patterns.
Our Approach to Anxiety Care
Your care plan is shaped by your story, not just your symptoms. After listening carefully, we may recommend a mix of:
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Weekly acupuncture sessions to support calm and stability
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Herbs to help with rest, digestion, and emotional balance
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Gentle bodywork to help release tension from past stress
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Breathing practices to help you stay grounded
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Optional cupping for relief in the chest and neck
All sessions are held with care, and our practitioners are trained in trauma-sensitive methods to help you feel comfortable and safe.
Supporting the Nervous System Through Acupuncture
Acupuncture works directly with the part of your nervous system that handles stress and recovery. It helps shift your body from a stressed-out state into one that can rest, digest, and heal.
Some of the key benefits include:
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Lower stress hormone levels
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Better sleep
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Stronger emotional resilience over time
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A deep, steady sense of calm
Clients often say the calm they feel after a session is unlike anything else.
Is Acupuncture a Safe Option for Anxiety?
Yes. Acupuncture has very few side effects and is well known for its calming effects. It’s safe to use on its own or alongside talk therapy, medication, or other forms of mental health care. If you're working with other providers, we can coordinate with them as needed.
You Don’t Have to Fight This Alone
Anxiety might feel like it’s taken over your life but it doesn’t have to stay that way. With the right kind of support, your body and mind can learn how to feel calm, centered, and in control again.
Reach out if you’re ready to explore acupuncture as a part of your emotional wellness. We’re here to walk that journey with you.
Other Health Conditions We Treat At Inner Sanctuary Wellness
Services We Offer To Help You Heal
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Can gentle bodywork be combined with acupuncture or herbs?Yes. We often recommend combining bodywork with acupuncture, cupping, or herbal medicine for a well-rounded approach to wellness.
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Will I feel sore after getting gentle bodywork done?Most clients feel relaxed or lighter. Some feel emotional or tired, which is part of the body's integration process. There is typically no soreness.
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Is gentle bodywork like a massage?It’s different in technique and intent. While massage works on muscle tissue with pressure, gentle bodywork focuses on the fascia, breath, and nervous system.
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Do I need to undress for the gentle bodywork session?No. Gentle bodywork is typically done fully clothed. Wear something comfortable and flexible.
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Do I need multiple sessions?That depends on your goals. For acute issues, one or two sessions may be enough. For chronic patterns, regular treatments yield the best results.
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Can I exercise afterward having cupping?It's best to rest or do light movement after your session to allow your body to process the effects. Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours.
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How long do the cupping marks last?Typically 3 to 7 days. The darker the mark, the more stagnation was present in that area.
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Is cupping painful?Most people find it deeply relaxing. A slight pulling or tightness is normal, but discomfort is rare and adjusted immediately.
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Can I wear makeup after getting Gua Sha treatment?After facial Gua Sha, it's best to let your skin breathe for a few hours. We apply a nourishing serum post-treatment to soothe and hydrate.
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Will Gua Sha leave bruises?Not exactly. The marks (known as sha) are different from bruises and indicate stagnant blood or fluids moving toward the surface. They are not painful and fade quickly.
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How many Gua Sha sessions will I need?Some clients feel results after one session, while others benefit from a series. For facial Gua Sha, weekly treatments for a month may offer the best cosmetic benefits.
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Does Gua Sha hurt?Gua Sha is usually gentle and relaxing. On tight or stagnant areas, you may feel a slight pulling sensation, but discomfort is minimal and always adjustable.
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Is this like Western herbalism?There is overlap, but Chinese herbal medicine is more diagnostically precise and formula-driven. More like prescription care than casual supplement use.
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Do the herbs taste bad?Some do, some don’t! But we’ll work with your preferences, capsules and tinctures are great options for sensitive taste buds.
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Are there side effects taking Herbal medicine?Side effects are rare and usually mild (such as temporary digestive changes). We monitor you closely and make formula changes as needed.
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Can I take herbs with my medications?In most cases, yes but we always check for contraindications first. Safety first.
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Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?Absolutely. Acupuncture works beautifully alongside physical therapy, counseling, massage, and more.
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Is acupuncture safe?Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols.
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Is Acupuncture painful?Most people feel little to no pain, just a tiny pinch or pressure that quickly fades.
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Will insurance cover it?I am in-network with the following insurance companies: Blue Cross/Regence Aetna CareOregon Triwest (Veteran's Affairs) United PacificSource Moda (effective 2/25) Kaiser foundation health plan of the northwest (Intel) I am not in-network with the rest of Kaiser, which includes Kaiser OHP.
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