Acupuncture for Depression
How to lift your mood and reduce stress naturally
Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects 6.7% (16.1 million) of the adult population in the US and it’s the leading cause of disability for those aged between fifteen and forty-four.
In light of recent world events, depression and mood disorders have not only skyrocketed in the US, but across the world. Many people have experienced considerable mental health challenges during the past year as the emotional strain of a worldwide pandemic continues on.
Learn how acupuncture for depression works and how to lift your mood and reduce stress naturally.
What causes depression?
Depression can occur for a number of reasons and it’s usually caused by a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental and psychological factors. Stress and life events such as the death of a loved one, illness, work pressures, financial hardship and relationship issues can trigger depression. Bullying, abuse (physical, mental or emotional) and loneliness can also set off depression, sometimes leading to desperation and suicidal thoughts.
One in eight women in the US experience postpartum depression which tends to be caused by hormonal changes (there is a significant drop in estrogen and progesterone after childbirth), lack of support, sleep deprivation, feelings of overwhelm, loss of identity or control over one’s life, breastfeeding complications and health issues for the mother or baby.
What are the signs of depression?
Depression can present emotionally, physically and socially, and symptoms will vary from person to person.
Signs to look out for include:
Continually feeling tearful, sad or hopeless
Low mood which can’t be shifted
Lack of interest in life or things you once enjoyed
Overly anxious or worried
Suicidal thoughts or wanting to hurt yourself
Low self-esteem
Irritability or intolerance for others
Extreme fatigue and wanting to sleep all day
Lack of appetite or comfort eating
Weight loss or weight gain
Aches and pains
Loss of sex drive
Insomnia or difficulty getting to sleep
Not wanting to socialize or see others
General apathy towards life
Is Acupuncture good for depression?
Acupuncture has shown to be highly effective for treating depression, both in easing symptoms and addressing the underlying causes such as hormonal imbalances and stress.
Research suggests that acupuncture demonstrates a similar effectiveness to anti-depressant medication; in one study, researchers came to the conclusion that acupuncture was in fact superior to anti-depressants in improving both response and symptom severity of post-stroke depression.
Acupuncture works by inserting thin, small needles into acupuncture points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote the release of neurochemical messengers; both of which improve physical and emotional wellbeing.
Benefits of acupuncture for depression
The benefits of using acupuncture for depression are abundant and we successfully treat patients experiencing a range of depression symptoms including low mood and anxiety.
Acupuncture for depression works by:
Altering the brain’s chemistry and increasing the production of serotonin and endorphins (the hormones that promote feelings of wellbeing). Acupuncture has also shown to act on the neurochemical pathways which are responsible for dopamine, noradrenaline, cortisol and neuropeptide Y; these are hormones and amino acids involved in emotional and physiological processes in the central nervous system, helping to regulate appetite and the stress response, and control motivation, memory and attention.
Stimulating the area of the brain (called the primary somatosensory cortex) that reduces sensitivity to pain and stress, and also switch of the analytical part of the brain (the amygdala) which is responsible for anxiety and worry, therefore encouraging the body to relax.
Changing how different areas of the brain connect and communicate with each other. Acupuncture has demonstrated the ability to increase resting brain activity in the areas of the brain (the parietal lobe, limbic system, amygdala, hippocampus, cerebellum and prefrontal cortex) that are involved with pain management, emotion and memory. This is important as research suggests that depression is associated with dysfunction in the way that parts of the resting brain interact with each other.
Alleviating chronic pain which is often a contributing factor to depression, especially for those with chronic illnesses.
Promoting relaxing and reducing stress by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system to initiate the relaxation response. Stress activates the fight or flight response (controlled by the sympathetic nervous system); whereas the parasympathetic system (also known as the “freeze” response) acts like a brake, helping to wind down and calm the nervous system so it can relax.
How long does it take for acupuncture to work for depression?
As the cause of someone’s depression is often multifactorial, the number of acupuncture sessions you’ll require depends on your medical history, how your depression is presenting and how quickly you respond to the acupuncture treatment. We generally recommend acupuncture visits one to two times a week for depression; your acupuncturist will discuss this in more detail once they have assessed your case history.
Treat depression naturally
Depression is an incapacitating condition with a plethora of symptoms from lethargy, sadness and low self-esteem to weight gain and pain. Stress, life challenges, hormonal imbalances and a breakdown in neural pathways can all contribute to depression. Acupuncture is highly effective for treating depression and some studies suggest it is superior to using anti-depressants as it can regulate hormone levels, reduce stress and improve how brain cells communicate with each other. Arrange a complimentary call with one of our acupuncturists to discuss how to treat your depression naturally.
Over to you
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