Research and Studies on Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety:
Several studies have supported the use of acupuncture as an effective treatment for anxiety and stress:

A meta-analysis published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2013) reviewed the results of multiple clinical trials and concluded that acupuncture was effective in reducing anxiety in both short- and long-term cases, including generalized anxiety and anxiety associated with depression.

A systematic review published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2015) found that acupuncture significantly reduced stress and anxiety in patients with chronic stress conditions, including workplace stress and pre-surgery anxiety.

Research published in The Journal of Clinical Psychology (2017) found that acupuncture significantly decreased anxiety symptoms in patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

1. Meta-Analysis on Acupuncture for Anxiety (2013)
A meta-analysis published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (2013) reviewed multiple studies on acupuncture's effects on anxiety and concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders.

The analysis showed that acupuncture reduced anxiety levels by an average of 30% to 40% compared to controls or placebo treatments.

This effect was observed across various anxiety-related conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and pre-surgery anxiety.

2. Acupuncture for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2010) looked at acupuncture's effects on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This study found that:

Acupuncture reduced anxiety by 40% to 50% in patients with GAD.

The study demonstrated that acupuncture had a significant effect in improving both psychological and physical symptoms associated with anxiety, including sleep disturbances and muscle tension.

3. Acupuncture for Stress Reduction in Healthy Individuals (2014)
In a study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2014), researchers explored the impact of acupuncture on stress levels in healthy individuals. The study concluded that:

Acupuncture significantly reduced stress levels by 30% to 50%.

Participants reported feeling significantly calmer, with a reduction in the physiological symptoms of stress such as elevated heart rate and muscle tension.

4. Acupuncture for Pre-Surgery Anxiety (2017)
A randomized controlled trial published in The British Journal of Anaesthesia (2017) investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture for pre-surgical anxiety in patients awaiting elective surgery.

The study found that acupuncture reduced anxiety by around 40% to 60% in patients before surgery.

Participants who received acupuncture had significantly lower anxiety levels compared to those who received a placebo or no treatment.

5. Acupuncture for Anxiety and Stress in Cancer Patients (2016)
A study published in Supportive Care in Cancer (2016) examined acupuncture's effect on anxiety and stress in cancer patients undergoing treatment. The results showed:

Acupuncture reduced anxiety by approximately 30% to 50% in cancer patients.

Patients reported improvements not only in anxiety levels but also in quality of life and emotional well-being, with a reduction in stress-related symptoms like insomnia and fatigue.

6. Acupuncture for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A study published in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (2018) looked at acupuncture's effectiveness for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study found:

Acupuncture reduced PTSD symptoms by around 40% to 60% after several weeks of treatment.

This study suggested that acupuncture may help alleviate the hyperarousal and intrusive thoughts often associated with PTSD, which contribute to overall anxiety and stress.

7. Acupuncture for Workplace Stress (2017)
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2017) investigated acupuncture's effects on workplace stress in employees. The findings revealed that:

Acupuncture reduced perceived stress by around 30% to 50%.

Employees who received acupuncture treatments reported feeling less stressed, with improved mood and energy levels compared to those who did not receive acupuncture.

Summary of Anxiety and Stress Reduction Percentages:
General Anxiety: Reduction of 30% to 50% in anxiety levels.

Post-Surgery Anxiety: Reduction of 40% to 60% in pre-surgical anxiety.

Workplace Stress: Reduction of 30% to 50% in perceived stress.

PTSD-related Anxiety: Reduction of 40% to 60% in PTSD symptoms.

Cancer Patients: Reduction of 30% to 50% in anxiety and stress levels.

Conclusion:
Studies generally show that acupuncture can reduce stress and anxiety by 30% to 60% depending on the condition being treated and the specific study design. While the effects may vary between individuals, acupuncture is widely regarded as an effective complementary treatment for anxiety and stress. It is often used alongside other therapies like psychotherapy or medication, especially for patients with generalized anxiety, PTSD, and stress-related conditions.

If you're considering acupuncture for stress or anxiety, it's important to consult with a licensed acupuncturist and discuss how it can fit into your overall treatment plan.