Acupuncture, Mental Health & a Little Vogue Spotlight ✨

“I’ve seen an uptick in patients dealing with mental and emotional distress since the pandemic, and acupuncture provides a lot of relief for my patients suffering with anxiety and depression.” – Shannon Chanler, LAc

A church in Minneapolis offers free monthly acupuncture (and other wellness modalities) after Sunday services for migrants dealing with stress, trauma, and anxiety.

Researchers found that acupuncture can influence the body’s stress response, balance neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function related to mood. Across studies, acupuncture showed benefits for several types of depression — including postpartum, post-stroke, and adolescent depression — either on its own or combined with standard treatments. The authors note that acupuncture’s whole-body approach may help restore balance between the brain, hormones, and immune system, offering a safe and complementary option for people seeking additional support for mood and mental health.

Imaging studies show that acupuncture helps regulate activity in key brain regions involved in mood, emotion, and focus — including the limbic system and prefrontal cortex.

New ICD-10-CM codes took effect on October 1, 2025. While common pain codes used by acupuncturists remain unchanged, updates this year increase specificity for abdominal pain, trauma, and multiple sclerosis. The key takeaway: code changes apply based on the date of service, not the claim date. Using outdated codes after Oct. 1 may lead to denials. Acupuncturists should review and update EHR systems, superbills, and templates to reflect the new, more detailed codes for pain, tenderness, contusions, and MS classifications.