Can Acupuncture Reduce Cortisol? Natural Stress Relief in East London
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
At Health Tree Acupuncture, we regularly see how chronic stress affects our patients' health — from poor sleep and low mood to hormonal imbalances and burnout.
What Is Cortisol and Why Does It Matter?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It plays an important role in:
Energy regulation: Boosting blood sugar for quick energy
Immune suppression: Prioritising survival functions over long-term health
Inflammation control: Reducing inflammation temporarily during stress
While short bursts of cortisol can be helpful, chronically high levels can lead to:
Frequent infections and immune suppression
Weight gain and sugar cravings
Anxiety, depression, and poor concentration
High blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease
Acupuncture for Stress and Hormone Balance
At our East London clinic, we often support patients experiencing high stress, burnout, and hormonal imbalance. Research shows that acupuncture helps reduce cortisol levels, restoring balance to the nervous and endocrine systems.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
A study in the Journal of Endocrinology found that acupuncture significantly reduced cortisol in people with chronic stress. Patients also reported improved mood and reduced anxiety.
Immune System Support
By lowering stress hormones, acupuncture may support better immune function. This is especially valuable for people who frequently get sick during busy or stressful periods.
Heart Health and Blood Pressure
Acupuncture can lower heart rate and blood pressure — both linked to cortisol — and may help prevent stress-related cardiovascular issues.
Natural Weight Support
By easing cortisol-driven cravings and emotional eating, acupuncture can support healthy weight loss as part of a wider wellness plan.
How Acupuncture Works: Supporting the Body’s Stress Response
Several mechanisms help explain acupuncture’s impact on cortisol:
Regulates the HPA axis, which governs the stress response
Releases feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and endorphins
Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting deep rest and recovery
At Health Tree Acupuncture, we use a combination of gentle body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, and lifestyle guidance to help you feel calmer, clearer, and more balanced.
Why Choose Health Tree Acupuncture in East London?
We are an affordable, community-focused multi-bed acupuncture clinic in Bethnal Green, offering effective natural support for stress, hormone balance, and overall well-being. Whether you're dealing with work-related stress, fertility struggles, or post-viral fatigue, we're here to support you.
Book your appointment today and take the first step towards natural stress relief.
References:
1. Eshkevari, L., Permaul, E., & Mulroney, S. E. (2013). Acupuncture blocks cold stress-induced increases in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in the rat. *Journal of Endocrinology*, 217(1), 95-104.
2. Han, J. S. (2004). Acupuncture and endorphins. *Neuroscience Letters*, 361(1-3), 258-261.
3. Zhang, R., Lao, L., Ren, K., & Berman, B. M. (2014). Mechanisms of acupuncture-electroacupuncture on persistent pain. *The American Journal of Chinese Medicine*, 42(02), 251-266.
4. Middlekauff, H. R., Park, J., & Moheimani, R. S. (2014). Adverse effects of cigarette smoke on the autonomic nervous system. *Journal of the American College of Cardiology*, 64(6), 585-591.
5. Cho, S. H., Lee, J. S., Thabane, L., & Lee, J. (2009). Acupuncture for obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. *Obesity Reviews*, 10(1), 93-103.
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