Depression is a common mental health problem that affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. About two thirds of adults will at some time experience depression severe enough to interfere with their normal activities.
Although everyone occasionally experiences low mood, these feelings usually pass after a few days. When a person has clinical depression, these problems can become chronic or recurrent, interfering with daily life. Depression causes symptoms such as low mood, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, tiredness, lack of motivation, anxiety, disturbed sleep or appetite, and suicidal thoughts.
Depression is thought to be caused by a combination of factors. It may be triggered by stressful events, such as illness, chronic pain, relationship problems or bereavement.
How acupuncture can help:
Studies indicate that acupuncture can have a specific positive effect on depression by altering the brain's mood chemistry, increasing the production of serotonin and endorphins.
Stimulation of certain acupuncture points have been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and deactivating the part of the brain that is responsible for anxiety and worry.
A great benefit of acupuncture treatment for depression is that acupuncture can be safely combined with conventional medical treatments, including anti-depressants, helping to reduce their side-effects and enhance their beneficial effects.
Acupuncture can also help with difficulties that may contribute to depression such as pain, anxiety, and disturbed sleep.