Prof. Dr. Erantha De Mel
ABSTRACT
Keywords: acupuncture, cognitive function, anxiety, emotional regulation, fMRI
This study investigates the effects of acupuncture on cognitive function and emotional regulation
in individuals with anxiety, utilising functional MRI (fMRI) to examine underlying neural
mechanisms and connectivity changes. Anxiety disorders commonly impair attention, memory,
and emotion regulation, leading to substantial impacts on daily functioning. While pharmacological treatments are prevalent, their side effects and variable efficacy highlight the
need for innovative, complementary interventions.
A thorough literature review demonstrates that acupuncture consistently improves cognitive
performance—including attention, memory, and executive function—particularly in populations
with mild cognitive impairment and post-stroke cognitive deficits. Neuroimaging research reveals
that acupuncture increases activity in brain regions such as the hippocampus, insula, and
prefrontal cortex, while enhancing functional connectivity between cognition and emotion-
related networks. Additionally, acupuncture modulates regions like the amygdala and anterior
cingulate cortex, pivotal for emotional regulation. The study’s original fMRI research involved a
randomised, single-blind trial with twenty-four young adults diagnosed with anxiety, comparing
acupuncture at the Neiguan (PC6) point to non-acupoint controls. Pre- and post-treatment fMRI
scans assessed changes in neural activity and connectivity, employing ALFF and seed-based
analyses.
Results indicate that acupuncture selectively activates key cognitive and emotional hubs in the
brain—particularly the parahippocampal and fusiform gyri—while reducing hyperactivity in
regions linked to anxiety and rumination,such as the precuneus and cuneus. Enhanced functional
connectivity between anterior default mode network components and emotion-regulation
regions was correlated with measurable improvements in clinical ratings for anxiety and
cognition. Statistical analysis confirmed significant improvements in both anxiety severity and
cognitive test scores among acupuncture recipients, with corresponding increases in inter-
network brain connectivity.
The findings support acupuncture as a promising, non-pharmacological adjunct for anxiety-
related cognitive and emotional difficulties. By modulating neural systems that underpin memory
and affective control, acupuncture presents new avenues for personalised intervention strategies.
Future studies should expand on these results with larger sample sizes, diverse age groups, and
multi-site longitudinal analyses to further clarify the neurobiological mechanisms and clinical
utility of acupuncture in psychiatric care.