Implementation rules and research status of acupuncture therapy for anxiety disorders

In recent years, the number of studies on acupuncture intervention for anxiety disorders has been gradually increasing, and its application scope in clinical practice has also been expanding. This article intends to review and discuss the combination of common acupoints, specific operation methods, efficacy evaluation indicators, clinical effects and potential mechanisms of action. Available evidence suggests that acupuncture may influence anxiety-related symptoms through multiple neurobiological pathways, including autonomic regulation, neurotransmitter signaling, neuroendocrine regulation, and neuroplasticity-related mechanisms; however, the causal contribution of individual pathways remains incompletely established. However, there are still some shortcomings in relevant studies, such as limited sample size, lack of uniformity in efficacy criteria, and relatively insufficient follow-up time. Future research should pay more attention to the application of evidence-based medicine methods, strengthen the discussion of mechanisms of action, and try to establish more individualized intervention plans.