Nervous System Nourishment
- Claire Skinner
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Acupuncture for Stress, Sleep & Emotional Balance
Meraki Acupuncture | August 2025 Blog
Introduction
Chronic stress, light sleep, and emotional burnout have become standard features of modern life. Yet, there’s a quieter path to support the nervous system, one rooted in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and contemporary neuroscience. At Meraki, we work with clients to calm the body from the inside out, supporting long-term resilience, better sleep, and emotional stability.
This month, we explore how acupuncture and TCM can help rebalance your nervous system naturally and sustainably.
The TCM View: Heart, Shen & Spirit
In TCM, the nervous system is viewed through the lens of organ systems and their influence on mental and emotional states. The Heart houses the Shen, or spirit, governing mental clarity, consciousness, and emotional regulation. When the Heart is balanced and the Blood is sufficient, the Shen is calm. When there is Deficiency or excess Heat, the Shen becomes disturbed. This may look like:
Insomnia
Palpitations
Vivid dreams
Anxiety or restlessness
But the Heart doesn’t work alone.
The Spleen supports thought and focus. Worry or overthinking weakens it.
The Kidneys anchor Yin and Jing (essence). They regulate recovery, restore energy, and help us feel safe.
When Yin is depleted or Spleen Qi is weak, we often see a "tired but wired" pattern: exhausted but unable to switch off.
Western Perspective: HPA Axis & Stress
Biomedicine describes chronic stress via the HPA axis: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. When stress becomes chronic, the HPA axis dysregulates, causing:
Elevated cortisol
Reduced sleep quality
Poor emotional resilience
Digestive upset
Acupuncture may help restore regulation to this system.
Evidence-Based Findings:
Acupuncture lowers cortisol and balances HPA axis activity (Zhou et al., 2013)
Modulates Vagus nerve tone to engage the parasympathetic system (Litscher et al., 2012)
Alters brain regions associated with emotional regulation (Hui et al., 2010)
Key Acupuncture Points for Nervous System Regulation
In clinic, we use combinations of acupuncture points to calm the Shen and support deep restoration:
Yintang (“Hall of Impression”): Between the eyebrows. Known to calm the hypothalamus and reduce anxiety in clinical studies.
Heart 7 (Shenmen): Tonifies Heart Blood and anchors the Shen. Helps with insomnia, palpitations, and overexcitement.
Pericardium 6 (Neiguan): Calms the chest, regulates the Heart, reduces nausea and emotional overwhelm.
These points are often combined with others, such as SP6 (Spleen-Kidney axis) or KD3 (Yin nourishment), based on each person’s presentation.
Important note: While these points are frequently used for emotional and nervous system support, we never treat using a one-size-fits-all approach. Every treatment plan at Meraki begins with a detailed consultation to understand your whole health picture — including physical symptoms, emotional patterns, sleep, diet, and medical history. Only then do we tailor a plan that supports your unique constitution.
TCM-Inspired Tools You Can Use at Home
You don’t need to wait for a treatment to begin nourishing your nervous system. Try these gentle practices:
1. Evening Wind-Down Routine:
In TCM, overstimulation at night injures the Heart and Liver systems. Switch off screens by 8:30 pm. Try candlelight, warm tea, or reading.
2. Warm, Cooked Foods:
Cold/raw foods weaken the Spleen and can exacerbate anxiety. Start your day with ginger porridge or stewed pears.
3. Acupressure at Yintang + SP6:
Apply light pressure for 60 seconds at bedtime to help calm the mind and nourish the Spleen-Kidney axis.
4. Qi-Grounded Breathwork:
Sit comfortably and inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds. Do 3–5 rounds. This stimulates the Vagus nerve and settles excess Yang.
Supplements with Evidence-Based Nervous System Benefits
While we always personalise supplement recommendations, a few have emerging clinical support:
Magnesium glycinate: Supports sleep and parasympathetic tone.
L-theanine: Found in green tea; promotes alpha brain waves and calm focus.
Saffron extract (Crocus sativus): Clinical trials show promise for mood support, especially in mild to moderate anxiety or depression.
Always consult a qualified practitioner before beginning any new supplement.
Closing Thoughts
True nervous system nourishment isn’t about hacks or quick fixes. It’s about restoring rhythm, replenishing reserves, and remembering that rest is productive.
Whether through acupuncture, breath, food, or ritual, we help you come home to calm — and stay there longer.
References:
Zhou, W., et al. (2013). Acupuncture modulates stress response via HPA axis regulation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Litscher, G., et al. (2012). The influence of acupuncture on the autonomic nervous system: a systematic review. Autonomic Neuroscience.
Hui, K. K.-S., et al. (2010). Acupuncture mobilizes the brain's default mode network. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism.
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