I had acupuncture several weeks after my first panic attacks. I saw a special rate for 6 sessions on groupon so I gave it a try. If you've ever been then you'll know that they do a very in depth interview with you (seriously, you have to describe your poop). I told her that my main problems were general and social anxiety, the recent panic attacks, depression, and back pain. I didn't really want to know which needles did what because I wanted to minimize any placebo effect as much as possible. In all, I had about 12 sessions.
She really helped my back pain while I was going, but it's been several months and it's back like it used to be.
I am not sure whether it helped my anxiety or mental problems. The sessions themselves were great for simply relaxing. It was very expensive relaxation, but it was really worth it for me. My acupuncturist was awesome at making the room smell just right (aromatherapy) and the right music and she'd remind me to "think about all the good things in my life" and "think about what makes me happy". Then it was an hour of relaxation. I think those elements helped my anxiety. I'm not sure if the needles helped, though. Maybe I could have had the same experience laying there without the needles?
She always put needles in ears, it seems like the left ear got more needles than the right. I sometimes got some on my scalp. Usually one between my eyebrows. Usually a few on my legs and arms. Sometimes she'd put a lot on my back. She also used the "cupping" technique--sort of a very intense massage using cups--which leaves bruises. She also did a Chinese massage sometimes.
So in conclusion, I don't regret acupuncture. My acupuncturist was very good at making me feel comfortable and relaxed. She was kind of like my secondary therapist for a while because she has a good outlook on life and gave me some good things to think about. I didn't like talking to her at first, but after a while I could talk to her more openly and it was really nice. I think the act of going there 12 times and talking to her helped my social anxiety a little bit. I don't know, maybe the needles helped too? *shrugs*