Acupuncture has demonstrable effects on various hormones contributing to mood and wellbeing (such as serotonin and endorphins) so can help with mild depression and anxiety. It works well alongside medications such as SSRIs. There are also effects on the parasympathetic nervous system – this is the flip-side of the ‘fight or flight’ sympathetic nervous system and is often summed up as ‘rest and digest’. Thus, supporting parasympathetic nervous system activity can wind down feelings of anxiety and agitation and also help insomnia.