Acupuncture for Depression

Acupuncture can be an effectively treat depression and anxiety for many patients.

It is estimated that more than 17.5 million Americans suffer from depression and anxiety. Many people are looking for alternatives to anti-depressant prescriptions and medications. Recent studies have found promising results for using acupuncture to treat depression, anxiety, and alleviate stress.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) found “evidence for the use of acupuncture . . . to treat anxiety disorders is becoming stronger.” Reuters health also reported on a study from the University of York in the UK. The study recruited 755 participants who suffered from moderate to severe depression. Seventy percent of the patients were taking anti-depressant medications and continued to take them throughout the study. The study concluded that both acupuncture and/or counseling had a positive effect on depression.

How does acupuncture work?

The acupuncturist inserts fine needles into specific acupuncture points on “meridians” which run through the body and align with certain organs. Meridians can also be considered a pathway of energy, or “qi” in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture works by eliminating roadblocks on this energy channel.

When there is a blockage on the meridian, energy can back up. When the meridians are clear, the energy is able to flow through. Each meridian is connected to an organ and each organ has certain associations, such as emotions and body parts. For example, the emotion of the liver found in Chinese medicine is anger. As a result of this, when the qi is blocked, it can result in anger.

Western medicine has demonstrated that acupuncture releases endorphins, and can even activate natural pain killers. It has been found to affect other biological functions as well. Chinese medicine uses acupuncture to improve functioning by removing blockages or organ imbalance.

A 2013 article in the Journal of Endocrinology shared the results of animal studies completed at Georgetown University Medical Center. The studies demonstrated that rats who suffered from stressful conditions and then received acupuncture had lowered blood hormone levels secreted by the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis controls reactions to stress and regulates processes such as the immune system, digestion, emotions and sexuality. They also measured the levels of NPY, a peptide released during the “fight or flight” response.

The study’s author, Eshkevari, said, “We found that electronic acupuncture blocks the chronic, stress-induced elevations of the HPA axis hormones and the sympathetic NPY pathway…. Our growing body of evidence points to acupuncture’s protective effect against the stress response.”

Patients who have anxiety-induced rashes can often see improvement in as few as two treatments. Acupuncture can also significantly reduce anxiety, stress and improve depression. Most of these conditions require an initial treatment protocol of at least eight sessions. Once significant improvement is reached, patients can move to a less stringent maintenance schedule.

Acupuncture cannot always treat moderate or severe depression without additional medical intervention. Patients should always consult their doctor before modifying any prescribed medications. Based on recent studies and evidence, acupuncture can improve depression, anxiety, and stress.