Treating Depression with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression affects approximately 6.7% of the population 18 years or older, or 14.8 million adults. Depression can affect anyone, but affects more women than men. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offers those suffering with depression an alternative to conventional treatment without many of the side effects.
Symptoms of depression may include, but are not limited to:
•Feelings of hopelessness
•Sadness
•Low self worth
•Inability to focus
•Pessimistic outlook on life
•Changes in appetite
•Changes in sleep
•Decreased energy levels
• Lack of desire for activities and hobbies
Doctors can diagnose depression based on inventories and other screening tests. The cause of depression is unknown, but may be caused by stressful events, emotional trauma, or chemical and hormonal imbalances.
The western medical treatment for depression includes:
•Medications including antidepressants
•Counseling and psychotherapy
•Electroconvulsive therapy
•Exercise
•Regular sleep
•Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
The Chinese medicine treatment of depression usually focuses on the Shen, or what translates in English as “spirit.” The spirit houses the mind, thoughts, personality, and outlook on life. When it becomes unbalanced, a person may experience the symptoms of depression.
An unbalanced Shen may be due to anyone of the following patterns:
•Excessive heart fire
•Yin deficiency
•Phlegm-fire harassing the heart
•Blood deficiency
•Liver Qi Stagnation
Any one of these patterns can cause depression symptoms. To treat a Shen imbalance, there are many acupuncture points on the body and ear, as well as Chinese herbal formulas, which can help reduce the symptoms of depression.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help treat the root of your depression, not just mask the symptoms, and without many of the side effects of conventional treatment. Additionally, treatment can complement any counseling or psychotherapy you are receiving. Furthermore, acupuncture can help treat other conditions that may be contributing to your depression such as chronic pain, insomnia, or injuries.