Researchers Explore Acupuncture as a Possible PTSD Treatment
- Seoyoung Kang
- May 13
- 1 min read
May 13, 2026
Seoyoung Kang
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people, often causing severe anxiety, depression, and emotional distress even long after traumatic experiences. While medications and psychotherapy are commonly used treatments, researchers continue to explore alternative approaches that may help control the brain and nervous system.
On the 7th of May, a recent study by researchers from the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine suggests that electro-acupuncture may reduce PTSD-related anxiety and depression by affecting neuroinflammation through the trigeminal nerve pathway.
Electroacupuncture is a treatment method that combines modern electrical stimulation technology with traditional acupuncture in Korean medicine. Trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve, responsible for transmitting sensory information (touch, pain, temperature) from the face and scalp to the brain, while also controlling muscles involved in chewing.
The study showed that electroacupuncture activated the trigeminal nerve and influenced pathways related to neuroinflammation. They also identified the mechanism through which depressive and anxious behaviors are reduced as neuroinflammation is controlled.
To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture, the researchers used an animal model that mimicked PTSD-related symptoms. According to the research team, the treated subjects showed reduced depressive and anxious behaviors, including less helplessness and increased exploratory behavior. Although the study was conducted on animal models, the results suggest a possible new direction for PTSD treatment research.
Dr. Kim Hyeong-jun stated that the study suggests acupuncture may suppress neuroinflammation through the trigeminal nerve pathway and help regulate anxiety and depression. "We will verify the neuromodulatory effects of acupuncture through future clinical studies and develop safe brain stimulation technology that regulates the brain's nervous system," he said.
