Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry

ABSTRACT

Anxiety disorders impact the lives of more than 301 million people worldwide, leading to many health difficulties and disabilities. Although CBT and SSRIs or benzodiazepines are effective for a large number of patients, about a third do not feel better or cannot tolerate the drugs, which is why people look for other options. Electro‑acupuncture (EA) and BMT (Bioelectric Meridian Therapy) are two integrative methods that have shown promising results. Low-frequency currents are utilized in EA to amplify the effects of acupuncture. At the same time, ABMMA-BMT operates by stimulating acupoints with bioelectric energy to regulate the flow of energy through the meridians. Both techniques activate the autonomic nervous system (ANS) by boosting the parasympathetic system, altering heart rhythms, and decreasing cortisol levels, which helps to relax the mind and relieve anxiety. These two types of trials have demonstrated that BMT reduces levels of salivary cortisol, alleviates anxiety, and helps restore balance in the autonomic nervous system. The body’s response to ABMMA-BMT may result in increased vagal activity, a controlled pattern of brain waves, and altered levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. While promising results have been observed, further research is necessary to determine the most effective treatments, their long-term efficacy, and how they compare to conventional therapies. The review summarizes studies on anxiety management and notes that EA and ABMMA-BMT can be paired with usual care. Additional studies are required to standardize procedures and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments in clinical trials.

Keywords: ABMMA; Anxiety disorders; Electro‑acupuncture; Bioelectric Meridian Therapy; Autonomic nervous system; Heart rate variability; Cortisol levels