Treating Depression with Acupuncture

Depression is a national mood killer, consuming the lives of close to a fifth of the US population. Although many cases are short lived and temporary, severe depression can result in life threatening consequences that go way beyond losing a job or a loved one. In addition to psychologist prescribed medicines and group therapy in both clinics and large scale hospitals alike, acupuncture has been shown to reduce the effects of depression.

Acupuncture has barreled its way into US clinics and hospitals like an approaching storm. It has been hailed for being an effective treatment by the Food and Drug Administration, and about 9 million received some form of acupuncture in 2003. Today, licensed acupuncturists are sprucing up across the country like scions, with almost half of them licensed medical doctors themselves. Even the most notable medical practitioner has turned to acupuncture when pills and tablets aren't doing enough.

When hearing the word acupuncture, what do you think of? Needles pricking sensitive areas of the body? Mad Chinese scientists drawing blood out from the needle affected areas? Although acupuncture is relatively new in the States, it has been a fixture in Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years. Countless physical maladies have been successfully treated through the use of acupuncture, most notably back pain and joint ailments. It has also been proven to deal effectively with depression. The way acupuncture works is that the Chinese believe that there are 12 main energy points in the body, referred to as the Qi. When energy flows naturally throughout the body through these points of intersection, you are considered healthy. Naturally, as amateur health experts, we would conclude that depression means there is a blocked flow of energy in the body.

To continue, acupuncture helps to treat the nervous system by releasing the chemicals that relieve the body of pain, called endorphins. The release of endorphins is directly parallel to the treatment of depression. If you would like to try acupuncture for depression, realize there are very few side effects like drowsiness, a loss of libido, and temporary anxiety right after treatment. In addition, needle pricking will mean discomfort during the treatment process. Inquire with your acupuncturist over the possibility of using low power lasers which can replace needles for less pain. All in all, you should check with your health insurance provider to see if they cover acupuncture. Rest easy, knowing that 4 out of every 5 policies do.