“Does acupuncture relieve depression symptoms?”
Alongside my medications, I want to try to relieve my depression symptoms with acupuncture. Does this work though? If it does, how can acupuncture relieve depression symptoms?
26 Answers
Mr. Anthony James Lorenzo
Acupuncturist
Science has not yet figured out the how of how acupuncture works, just that so far, it seems to work...
I have seen depression clear quite easily with regular acupuncture and lifestyle changes. But medication causes toxicity and continues to push the body towards imbalance. This is not intended as medical advice encouraging you to stop taking your medication- that is a decision for you and your doctor to make, with the emphasis on doctor being involved in that decision. But in my experience, toxic medications slow or hinder acupuncture's effectiveness. Age is also a factor as our bodies become less good at processing toxins as we age and the body/mind/spirit weakens.
Hope that is helpful.
I have seen depression clear quite easily with regular acupuncture and lifestyle changes. But medication causes toxicity and continues to push the body towards imbalance. This is not intended as medical advice encouraging you to stop taking your medication- that is a decision for you and your doctor to make, with the emphasis on doctor being involved in that decision. But in my experience, toxic medications slow or hinder acupuncture's effectiveness. Age is also a factor as our bodies become less good at processing toxins as we age and the body/mind/spirit weakens.
Hope that is helpful.
Acupuncture does relieve the depression signs and symptoms. Your acupuncturist would be able to get the time required to explain to you how it works. (I don't know how well you know body anatomy to explain all the concept of mechanism acupuncture works, it may take many hours. That's why it's not mere courses, but the medical school you have to attend to get acupuncture license.)
Depends upon the what type of imbalances you have. Talk with a licensed acupuncturist in your area and they will be able to assess you and give you specific guidance.
Yes for sure by increasing endorphins
Yes, acupuncture can be a powerful tool to relieve depression! I've seen so many depression cases, some easy, some not so easy to resolve, but, in general, acupuncture can help to get rid of depression.
Be well, be confident, we can help.
Be well, be confident, we can help.
A 2013 study demonstrated that acupuncture can cause your brain to release and balance neurochemicals that affect mood, including the “happy” chemical serotonin.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that electroacupuncture—in which a mild electric current is transmitted through the needles—was just as effective as fluoxetine (the generic name of Prozac) in reducing symptoms of depression.
Acupuncture, when done in conjunction with anti-depressant medications helps the drug treatment work faster to improve mood.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that electroacupuncture—in which a mild electric current is transmitted through the needles—was just as effective as fluoxetine (the generic name of Prozac) in reducing symptoms of depression.
Acupuncture, when done in conjunction with anti-depressant medications helps the drug treatment work faster to improve mood.
Acupuncture can definitely complement your prescription without causing any additional side effects. A first initial evaluation will be necessary to determine the origin of your depression and from there, your practitioner can discuss with you how acupuncture can provide a relief of your current symptoms. In general, acupuncture helps the mind and the body to relax and
it increases blood flow throughout the body so it can help lessen some of your symptoms.
Alexandre Hillairet, DAOM.
it increases blood flow throughout the body so it can help lessen some of your symptoms.
Alexandre Hillairet, DAOM.
Thank you for reaching out.
Yes, acupuncture can help with depression and some of its accompanying symptoms. The insertion of the thin, filiform needles into particular points along the body start a cascade of reactions inside the body. The goal is that the central nervous system is prodded to switch to the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as “rest and digest.” It is when the body is in this state that repair and feel-good hormones, chemicals and neurotransmitters can be released into the body. For example, acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, enkephalins, GABA and serotonin.
These various chemicals, hormones, neurotransmitters, etc., that are produced are what help to regulate our mood and overall sense of wellness, in addition to helping various organ systems function more effectively and efficiently. This is how acupuncture is able to help with issues, such as depression, insomnia, stress, pain, and low energy among many other things. By encouraging the body to produce these particular items, we can try to “re-set” the body and brain, or bring it back to its natural homeostasis.
Often, one of the first things that patients tend to notice after a treatment is that they seem more relaxed and feel more at ease. Continued treatments only help to amplify these results among others, such as helping with feelings and symptoms of depression.
Yes, acupuncture can help with depression and some of its accompanying symptoms. The insertion of the thin, filiform needles into particular points along the body start a cascade of reactions inside the body. The goal is that the central nervous system is prodded to switch to the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as “rest and digest.” It is when the body is in this state that repair and feel-good hormones, chemicals and neurotransmitters can be released into the body. For example, acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, enkephalins, GABA and serotonin.
These various chemicals, hormones, neurotransmitters, etc., that are produced are what help to regulate our mood and overall sense of wellness, in addition to helping various organ systems function more effectively and efficiently. This is how acupuncture is able to help with issues, such as depression, insomnia, stress, pain, and low energy among many other things. By encouraging the body to produce these particular items, we can try to “re-set” the body and brain, or bring it back to its natural homeostasis.
Often, one of the first things that patients tend to notice after a treatment is that they seem more relaxed and feel more at ease. Continued treatments only help to amplify these results among others, such as helping with feelings and symptoms of depression.
Yes, acupuncture can be affective as antidepressants. Acupuncture may activate natural painkillers in the brain just as fluoxetine (Prozac) in reducing depression symptoms.
Yes, acupuncture can help with depression combining with herbal medicine. We use points on the body as well as points on the ear to help stimulate.
Thank you for reaching out.
Yes, acupuncture can help with depression and some of its accompanying symptoms. The insertion of the thin, filiform needles into particular points along the body start a cascade of reactions inside the body. The goal is that the central nervous system is prodded to switch to the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as “rest and digest.” It is when the body is in this state that repair and feel-good hormones, chemicals and neurotransmitters can be released into the body. For example, acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, enkephalins, GABA and serotonin.
These various chemicals, hormones, neurotransmitters etc that are produced are what help to regulate our mood and overall sense of wellness, in addition to helping various organ systems function more effectively and efficiently. This is how acupuncture is able to help with issues, such as depression, insomnia, stress, pain, and low energy among many other things. By encouraging the body to produce these particular items, we can try to “re-set” the body and brain, or bring it back to its natural homeostasis.
Often, one of the first things that patients tend to notice after a treatment is that they seem more relaxed and feel more at ease. Continued treatments only help to amplify these results among others, such as helping with feelings and symptoms of depression.
Yes, acupuncture can help with depression and some of its accompanying symptoms. The insertion of the thin, filiform needles into particular points along the body start a cascade of reactions inside the body. The goal is that the central nervous system is prodded to switch to the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as “rest and digest.” It is when the body is in this state that repair and feel-good hormones, chemicals and neurotransmitters can be released into the body. For example, acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, enkephalins, GABA and serotonin.
These various chemicals, hormones, neurotransmitters etc that are produced are what help to regulate our mood and overall sense of wellness, in addition to helping various organ systems function more effectively and efficiently. This is how acupuncture is able to help with issues, such as depression, insomnia, stress, pain, and low energy among many other things. By encouraging the body to produce these particular items, we can try to “re-set” the body and brain, or bring it back to its natural homeostasis.
Often, one of the first things that patients tend to notice after a treatment is that they seem more relaxed and feel more at ease. Continued treatments only help to amplify these results among others, such as helping with feelings and symptoms of depression.
Depending on the root of the problem, Acupuncture can be extremely beneficial in treating Depression. Ask yourself: "does my medication I am currently taking for Depression, work"? Why do you want to add Acupuncture to your current medication regime if your medications are working? However, I am willing to work with your Physician, and your therapist in order to Open Channels that extend toward the Brain. In Addition to affecting the nervous system, through Acupuncture, I will also assess other organ functions that may be contributing to your Depression.
Acupuncture had been used for thousands of years to help with mental health. It calms the mind, reduces inflammation in the brain and balances organs that are each responsible for handling at least one emotion (liver:anger, spleen:worry, stomach:anxiety, etc.). It can also help the body process out trauma by balancing the 13 Chinese Meridians. Acupuncture helps your nervous system switch from fight/flight mode to healing mode (sympathetic to parasympathetic nervous system). The body can’t be in both systems at once and it needs to be in parasympathetic to heal.
I hope that helps!
Cari Cater, Dipl.LAc
I hope that helps!
Cari Cater, Dipl.LAc
Yes, it helps. Releases endorphins and enkephalins in the brain.
Glenn R. Williams, D.C., L.Ac.
Glenn R. Williams, D.C., L.Ac.
Good morning,
Yes, acupuncture relieves depression, but there are 5 different causes therefore talk to your acupuncturist.
David
Yes, acupuncture relieves depression, but there are 5 different causes therefore talk to your acupuncturist.
David
Thank you for your question,
There are no known contraindications in taking your medications for depression and doing acupuncture. Acupuncture, in theory, restores balance to the body and mind. Therefore, it’s possible to help with mental health. It cannot be described specifically if or how acupuncture works from a Western medicine perspective, but there is quite a bit of ongoing research on this. Some research does point to specific effects on the brain from specific acupuncture points that are reliably repeatable in different patients. But, that is about the extent of what we know about the science behind acupuncture at this point and effects on the brain. There are still a great deal number of “unknown” with respect to applying a scientific/western perspective to how acupuncture works and what it works for. With a skilled acupuncturist there is little to no risk of doing acupuncture.
The risk would be if one should suggest using any Chinese herbs for your depression. There are a lot of contraindications and interactions with herbs with prescribed medications. Be, sure to discuss any additions such as herbs or herbal teas before you use them with the person who is prescribing your antidepressant medications.
Thank you,
Dr. B
There are no known contraindications in taking your medications for depression and doing acupuncture. Acupuncture, in theory, restores balance to the body and mind. Therefore, it’s possible to help with mental health. It cannot be described specifically if or how acupuncture works from a Western medicine perspective, but there is quite a bit of ongoing research on this. Some research does point to specific effects on the brain from specific acupuncture points that are reliably repeatable in different patients. But, that is about the extent of what we know about the science behind acupuncture at this point and effects on the brain. There are still a great deal number of “unknown” with respect to applying a scientific/western perspective to how acupuncture works and what it works for. With a skilled acupuncturist there is little to no risk of doing acupuncture.
The risk would be if one should suggest using any Chinese herbs for your depression. There are a lot of contraindications and interactions with herbs with prescribed medications. Be, sure to discuss any additions such as herbs or herbal teas before you use them with the person who is prescribing your antidepressant medications.
Thank you,
Dr. B
Yes, acupuncture helps depression with or without anxiety. Many publications have proved the effectiveness of acupuncture. Acup triggers our brains to release neurochemicals to regulate your brain functions as the pharmaceuticals do. You can combine with acupuncture with your Rx. We have many successful cases that after a while, patients no longer depend on the Rx.
Acupuncture can be very effective in treating depression and it's symptoms. How we do it, however, depends on why you have depression. In Chinese medicine, there are many different ways of understanding western conditions, but overall, it comes down to pulse diagnosis. That will tell me what's going on with your whole body and from there, I devise a treatment plan.
Traditional medicine believes that depression and anxiety are due to the imbalance between the liver and the heart, leading to clogging of related meridians, leading to stagnation of qi and blood. The cause of this disease is still not understood and may be related to psychosocial factors, genetic factors, neuroendocrine and central neurotransmitter dysfunction.
Depression, stress, and anxiety are some of my favorite things to treat because acupuncture works so well. I can't tell you the mechanism as it's based on your body's energies, but just know that it works VERY well.
Yes it most definitely can. In eastern medicine we view depression as inadequate blood and energy nourishing the heart, by which we treat with points to raise the blood and energy deliverance to the upper portion of the body. This should help relatively quickly, but keep in mind, any natural path to healing will have natural ups and downs, with a general improvement.
I’ve seen depression symptoms significantly improve with the use of acupuncture, however, there are some cases that are more challenging than others. It all depends on how long the symptoms have been present and how severe the symptoms are.
Acupuncture for the treatment of depression, works first by identifying an individual’s pattern. No two cases are the same, which is actually why Chinese medicine is so successful- it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” type of treatment.
Depending on your specific case, your practitioner will decide which points to use. These point prescriptions contribute to the overall goal of bringing balance to your nervous system as well as regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine (both of which are essential to alleviating symptoms of depression).
Acupuncture for the treatment of depression, works first by identifying an individual’s pattern. No two cases are the same, which is actually why Chinese medicine is so successful- it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” type of treatment.
Depending on your specific case, your practitioner will decide which points to use. These point prescriptions contribute to the overall goal of bringing balance to your nervous system as well as regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine (both of which are essential to alleviating symptoms of depression).
I have treated many patients for all types of emotional disorders. Acupuncture treatments help regulate hormonal secretions, release the body's dopamines, it helps calm the nervous system and gives patients a very relaxed sense of well being. Over time, the body will maintain the regulation, so you might go often in the beginning, but less often later. A good practitioner will also help you learn about thought patterns, lifestyle habits, mental habits ir other issues for your specific case that may help you change at more levels. Mind, body, and emotional heath are all important and thus explored in our medicine. If your first practitioner isn't helpful, go find another. Find one who specializes in emotions and you should succeed in your goal. Be sure that the acupuncturist is an L.Ac, don't go to a Chiro or MD who "also does acupuncture." If you can find a 5-Element type practitioner.
Good luck.
Good luck.
YES!!!! I cannot stress the benefits of acupuncture for depression. First of all, acupuncture done correctly helps to de-stress by unblocking any obstruction of your energy flow. But because depression has many different causes/manifestations, addressing the root problem will help correct the main issue, without masking the symptoms.
There is a specialty of acupuncture that treats mental health. I would recommend looking for an acupuncturist who specializes in this field. Specific point protocols are use to relieve depression.
Acupuncture may help relieve your symptoms of depression and it might also help to reduce any side-effects you may be experiencing from your medications.
As for how it works, well, to be honest that's anyone's guess at the moment. In fact, if you read the mechanism of action section in the patient information leaflets for the prescription medications you're taking, you'll see statements to similar effect; in other words - we don't really have a handle on exactly how drugs work in depression either.
As with the pharmaceuticals, we do have some ideas though. In comparison studies acupuncture appears to be regulating genes in the pituitary in a similar way to fluoxetine (Prozac). In fact, studies have shown that acupuncture usually at least matches the effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs like Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft) in mild to moderate depression.
I would absolutely recommend you try acupuncture for your depression. A good chunk of my practice are depression/anxiety patients and I'm usually able to help them out quite a bit. For best results, please make sure you're seeing an NCCAOM board certified and state licensed acupuncturist.
As for how it works, well, to be honest that's anyone's guess at the moment. In fact, if you read the mechanism of action section in the patient information leaflets for the prescription medications you're taking, you'll see statements to similar effect; in other words - we don't really have a handle on exactly how drugs work in depression either.
As with the pharmaceuticals, we do have some ideas though. In comparison studies acupuncture appears to be regulating genes in the pituitary in a similar way to fluoxetine (Prozac). In fact, studies have shown that acupuncture usually at least matches the effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs like Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft) in mild to moderate depression.
I would absolutely recommend you try acupuncture for your depression. A good chunk of my practice are depression/anxiety patients and I'm usually able to help them out quite a bit. For best results, please make sure you're seeing an NCCAOM board certified and state licensed acupuncturist.
