Acupuncture for Anxiety in Brighton
Calm Your Nervous System & Feel Like Yourself Again
How Acupuncture Helps Anxiety
​From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture has been shown to:
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Activate the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous system
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Reduce cortisol levels
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Improve sleep quality
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Support serotonin and dopamine regulation
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Reduce muscle tension and physical stress symptoms
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From a Chinese medicine perspective, anxiety often reflects an imbalance in how the body regulates stress, sleep, digestion, and emotional processing.
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In clinic, patients often report:
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Fewer racing thoughts
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Deeper sleep
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Less chest tightness
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More emotional resilience
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Improved digestion
Treatment is always tailored to you - whether anxiety is linked to hormones, burnout, insomnia, digestive issues, or long-term stress.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your initial consultation lasts approximately 60 minutes.
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We will:
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Explore your anxiety history and triggers
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Assess sleep, digestion, hormones, and other factors
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Review lifestyle factors
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Carry out tongue and pulse diagnosis
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Create a personalised treatment plan
You’ll receive acupuncture during the first session, and if appropriate, a tailored herbal formula.
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What to Expect at Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments are 60 minutes.
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At the beginning of each session, we spend a few minutes reviewing how you’ve been since your last visit - changes in anxiety levels, sleep, digestion, energy, or mood.
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This is followed by approximately 15 minutes of shiatsu.
Shiatsu allows me to gather further information from your body while also helping you settle deeply into the treatment. Many patients find this part of the session especially calming and nurturing.
Acupuncture is then tailored based on both our discussion and what I observe during shiatsu.
Each session builds on the last, supporting steady regulation of your nervous system over time.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Every case is individual, but most patients begin to notice improvements within 2-4 sessions.
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For longer-standing anxiety, a course of treatment is usually recommended to stabilise the nervous system and build resilience.
We review progress regularly and adjust as needed.
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Fees
Initial consultation: £60
Follow-up session: £60
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Treatment packages are available for those committing to a course of care.
Common Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
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Like most people, you may be nervous about receiving acupuncture for the first time. However, my patients report that it’s not what they imagined. Acupuncture needles are as thin as two hairs and are therefore barely felt.
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Is acupuncture safe?
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When you have acupuncture with a fully trained professional, you’ll find it is extremely safe. A concern which is often voiced is about the safety of the needles. Like all other fully-trained, professional acupuncture therapists, I only use sterile and disposable needles.
Can I continue medication?
Yes. Acupuncture can safely complement conventional treatment. We can work alongside your GP if needed.
Is this suitable for panic attacks?
Yes. Treatment can help reduce frequency and severity by regulating the nervous system.
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