Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety Brisbane.

Natural, effective stress and anxiety relief through evidence-based acupuncture therapy in Brisbane.

Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.

Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can significantly impact your physical health, mental well being, and overall quality of life. Left unchecked, long-term stress and anxiety disorders can lead to symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances. It may also increase the risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder, low mood, or depression.

While common strategies like rest, exercise, or medication may offer temporary relief, they don’t always address the underlying imbalances that perpetuate the stress cycle.

Acupuncture is a holistic, evidence-based therapy and a respected form of alternative medicine that calms the nervous system, regulates stress hormones, and restores balance throughout the body. At The Shift Clinic, our acupuncture treatments offer a natural and long-lasting way to support resilience, clarity, and calm – promoting greater overall well being.

Trusted by hundreds of Brisbane patients

Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.

Local, convenient clinic in Brisbane

Your sanctuary for stress relief in Brisbane.

Address

Suite 17, 46 Douglas Street, Milton, Brisbane, QLD, 4064

Booking availability

If you know what type of appointment you need, you can book your own appointment using our easy online appointment scheduler 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you have an urgent concern that cannot wait, please call us on (07) 3733 2360 and we will do our best to fit you in earlier.

Opening hours

Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed

Our acupuncture treatment approach for reducing stress & anxiety symptoms

During your initial session, your acupuncturist will take a comprehensive health history and may conduct traditional Chinese diagnostic assessments such as pulse and tongue analysis to assist their diagnosis.

Fine needles are then used to stimulate specific meridians and acupuncture points to support your body’s natural healing response and help restore emotional and physiological balance over time. Additional techniques such as massage or cupping may also be incorporated to support your healing process. Herbal medicine may be prescribed to complement your acupuncture sessions.

How does acupuncture help reduce stress & anxiety?

The efficacy of acupuncture in regulating the body’s stress response comes from its ability to calm the nervous system and rebalance hormones involved in the stress cycle. This is supported by the numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews showing how it supports the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reduces the effects of cortisol, and promotes relaxation by soothing the “fight or flight” response.

Ongoing acupuncture therapy, especially when combined with lifestyle support like dietary changes, herbal medicine, and massage, can help address the root cause of physical, emotional, and mental symptoms related to stress and anxiety. Our practitioners work with you to support your emotional health and help you feel more resilient, calm, and clear.

What to expect from your stress & anxiety acupuncture treatment plan?

Pricing

Your initial appointment is $135 for the first session, and $125 for subsequent appointments. Both of our practitioners are health fund registered and HICAPS is available on site.

Booking

You can book your initial acupuncture appointment today using our online booking system or call us on (07) 3367 0337.

Arrival

Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to enjoy a cup of tea and the peaceful atmosphere at Shift. Your practitioner will review your consent form with you before beginning.

Treatment

After your first appointment your therapist will recommend a plan of action for ongoing care. Most patients begin with weekly appointments at our Brisbane clinic in the early stages of treatment, moving to fortnightly, then monthly as the body adapts to the changes. The techniques and pressure points targeted will depend on your individual presentation and what your practitioner thinks is best for your recovery.

Why choose Shift for stress & anxiety acupuncture in Brisbane?

At Shift we offer more than just treatments, we provide a space for true healing.

Our clinic is designed to feel calm, welcoming, and supportive from the moment you walk in.

Our experienced acupuncturists are among the most highly trained in the field, combining Traditional Chinese Medicine with a holistic understanding of the mind-body connection addressing both physical and mental symptoms to promote overall well being. Whether you’re navigating chronic stress, generalized anxiety disorder, or emotional distress and burnout, you’re in compassionate, capable hands.

What you can expect at Shift:

Flexible appointment times; Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 7 PM
Convenient onsite and street parking
Instant health fund rebates via HICAPS
Individualised care tailored to your needs in our peaceful clinic
Integration with other therapies, such as hypnotherapy

Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.

Our Brisbane based stress & anxiety acupuncture specialists

Your acupuncture sessions will be with Jarrah Crabtree, a Brisbane-based acupuncture specialist passionate about helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, and related conditions. Jarrah takes a patient-centred approach, blending Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern insights to guide you toward greater balance and well being.

Georgie Smith

Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Georgie Smith brings over a decade of healthcare expertise to our practice. Graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science in Acupuncture in 2010, Georgie's journey in healthcare began as a midwife for 10 years before delving into natural health care. With a master's degree in reproductive health, she specializes in fertility acupuncture, pregnancy care, menopause, and women's health issues. Combining her background as a registered nurse and midwife with her proficiency in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Georgie offers compassionate support to women and couples on their path to parenthood, guiding them through conception, pregnancy, and postpartum.

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Jarrah Crabtree

Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Jarrah Crabtree's passion for acupuncture and Chinese medicine began in his youth, as he was always drawn to holistic healing and the natural world. In his late teens and early twenties, he discovered Taoism and its profound philosophy, which emphasizes harmony with the natural flow of life. This ancient wisdom resonated deeply with him and inspired his journey into acupuncture. He found that Chinese medicine, much like Taoism, is rooted in the rhythms of nature, focusing on restoring balance within the body and its connection to the environment

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Stress & anxiety acupuncture FAQs.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need before noticing relief from stress and anxiety?

Many patients notice a sense of relaxation and balance after just one session. Typically, treatments start weekly to build momentum, then gradually reduce to fortnightly and eventually monthly visits as your progress continues. Your plan will be adjusted over time to ensure the best results for your stress and anxiety disorder relief.

Is acupuncture for anxiety and stress supported by scientific research?

Absolutely. The effectiveness of acupuncture for anxiety is supported by numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which show its benefits in managing generalized anxiety disorder and stress. This randomised controlled clinical trial found that acupuncture is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms. In particular, additional research, such as this article, suggest it can work by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, lowering cortisol levels, regulating the nervous system and balancing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, mechanisms linked to better stress regulation and emotional wellbeing.

Can acupuncture treatments improve sleep quality related to anxiety or stress?

Stress and/or anxiety disorders significantly disrupts sleep by increasing cortisol, hindering the ability to fall and stay asleep, and reducing the quality of sleep. Chronic stress can also lead to sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea. In the same way that acupuncture for anxiety can help reduce stress, it may also support sleep issues related to chronic stress and anxiety. It works by lowering cortisol levels, regulating the autonomic nervous system, reducing stress responses, and promoting relaxation. These combined effects help restore healthier sleep patterns and improve overall sleep quality.

Is acupuncture suitable for everyone experiencing stress and anxiety, or are there any conditions that make it unsuitable?

Acupuncture is generally a safe, low-risk, and suitable treatment option for most people experiencing stress and anxiety disorders. Before starting treatment, your practitioner will discuss any potential risks or concerns with you to ensure acupuncture is appropriate and safe for your individual situation.

Will acupuncture treatments provide immediate relief, or do the benefits accumulate over time?

Many patients feel more relaxed after their first treatment, but long-term benefits develop with consistent care. Your acupuncturist will advise on a personalised plan.

Can acupuncture be safely combined with medications prescribed for anxiety or depression?

Most definitely. In fact, acupuncture is often used alongside pharmacological treatment and medications as part of an integrative medicine approach for anxiety disorder and depression. It may enhance SSRI effectiveness and help reduce side effects. A 2021 systematic review of 13 randomised controlled trials involving over 1,000 participants found that combining acupuncture with antidepressant medication led to significantly better outcomes than using medication alone.