Acupuncture for Depression, Does it Work, and What You Need to Know

Acupuncture For Depression

Depression and anxiety are considered warning signs in Eastern philosophy because they are signs that something more serious is going on inside the body. Traditional Chinese medicine refers to this source of life energy as “qi,” and when it is out of balance, it causes sickness, which can show up as depression and anxiety.

Although acupuncture is not a panacea, it can help with the symptoms of depression and anxiety when used as a part of an integrative strategy to make the entire body healthy.

A licensed practitioner places thin, thread-like needles into particular bodily nerve sites during acupuncture for anxiety and depression.

Each needle pokes and activates a sensory nerve, causing it to become active and begin communicating with the brain. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, are then released by the brain, causing the immune system to react and promoting healing throughout the body.

Acupuncture treatments typically last about 30 minutes. The needles will then be positioned all over the body, and the practitioner will either manually move them or stimulate them with electrical currents to encourage the body’s neurochemical activity.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of ultra-thin metallic needles, equivalent to the width of a human hair, into specific areas of the body tailored to address various health conditions. The insertion points depend on the particular health issue being addressed. Some ailments treated through acupuncture encompass:

• Arthritis.
• Menstrual cramps.
• Chronic pain.
• Acute pain such as muscle, back, and knee pain.
• Migraines and headaches.
• Sports injuries.
• Allergies.

Within traditional Chinese medicine, it is theorized that the body sustains a flow of energy, known as qi, that governs one’s health. When this energy flow is disrupted, it can lead to illness. By inserting needles into precise acupuncture points recognized as meridians, the aim is to restore equilibrium in the energy flow and enhance overall health.

What is Depression?

Depression, clinically termed major depressive disorder, is a condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and diminished interest or pleasure in activities. Additionally, individuals may experience various other symptoms, including:

• Disturbed sleep patterns (either difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping).
• Fatigue and a general lack of energy.
• Thoughts related to death or suicide.
• Changes in appetite and weight.
• Irritability and heightened frustration, often over minor matters.
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or recalling information.
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

Common treatments for depression involve medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. However, a considerable percentage, ranging between 19% to 34%, of individuals with depression do not show improvement with standard treatments. Additionally, a significant portion (15% to 50%) may experience recurrent depressive episodes despite ongoing therapeutic interventions.

Some individuals grappling with depression are exploring alternative treatments like acupuncture. In the United Kingdom, psychological distress, including depression, emerged as the second most prevalent reason prompting individuals to seek acupuncture as an alternative therapy.

Learn More:

• Studies Find That A Dose of Psilocybin May Ease Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
• What Does Depression Feel Like? Symptoms and Early Signs
• Why Am I So Sad? Causes and Top 10 Coping Tips for Depression
• What is Mild Depression? Symptoms and Treatment
• What is Crippling Depression? Learning How To Deal With Crippling Depression
• Atypical Depression. What Is It? Symptoms and Treatment
• Learn How to Cope with Depression. 10 Ways to Cope with Depression.
• Manic Depression Vs Bipolar. Are They The Same?
• Situational Depression Vs Clinical Depression, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
• Signs Of Depression In Women, Symptoms and Treatment
• Effective Depression Treatment, Depressive Disorder Symptoms, Types, and Causes

6.8 million

GAD affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment.

Source: National Institute on Mental Health

17.3 million

Major depressive disorder affects approximately 17.3 million American adults or about 7.1% of the U.S. population aged 18 and older.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Acupuncture’s Role in Depression Treatment

Research into acupuncture’s efficacy in treating depression remains limited, posing challenges in accurately assessing its therapeutic benefits. One major obstacle in acupuncture research is the difficulty in establishing a control condition, as both practitioners and patients are aware of the treatment being administered.

Despite these hurdles, some studies have shown promising findings regarding acupuncture’s potential effectiveness in alleviating depression and its associated symptoms.

Diminished Depression Severity

An 8-week study involving 151 men and women revealed that participants who underwent acupuncture—whether it was targeted or nonspecific—experienced notably improved depressive symptoms compared to those who did not receive acupuncture.

In another instance, acupuncture demonstrated effects comparable to the antidepressant fluoxetine in individuals coping with post-stroke depression.

Reduced Migraine Frequency

Considering the correlation between depression and severe headaches like migraines, researchers found that individuals with such conditions were three times more prone to depression than those without such headaches.

A 24-week study indicated that individuals undergoing acupuncture treatments experienced a decrease in migraine frequency compared to those who did not receive acupuncture.

Depression Alleviation in Pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy, affecting up to 14% of expectant mothers, presents potential risks for both the mother and the unborn baby. Given concerns regarding the use of antidepressants during pregnancy, some women seek alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, for their depression.

In a study involving pregnant women with depression, those who received depression-targeted acupuncture for 8 weeks exhibited a more significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to those receiving non-specific acupuncture or prenatal massages. This suggests a potential role for acupuncture in alleviating depression, specifically during pregnancy.

Are There Any Risks With Acupuncture for Depression?

Acupuncture has some potential risks and side effects, but it won’t make your anxiety worse. By ensuring you see an authorized acupuncturist, you can prevent most complications. State-by-state licensing standards in the US vary, but the majority call for passing an exam administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Soreness after a session is the main adverse impact that acupuncture patients report. It sometimes leaves some bruising, but it usually goes away in a few hours. During a session, some people experience sharp pains.

Acupuncturists with a license must use sterile, single-use needles. You can get an infection if your doctor doesn’t use adequately sterilized needles. According to the Mayo Clinic, these side effects are rare if you visit a skilled, licensed acupuncturist.

Some medical disorders should prevent people from receiving acupuncture. Acupuncture should be avoided if you:

• Have a pacemaker.
• Have a bleeding condition, such as hemophilia.

It’s also essential to keep up with any ongoing anxiety treatment, including prescribed medications, while getting acupuncture. You shouldn’t stop any medications without first discussing them with your doctor.