Although it’s not a replacement for standard depression treatments, some studies suggest that acupuncture can help people with mood disorders feel better.
Acupuncture, a practice of traditional Chinese medicine, is one of the most widely used complementary and integrative medical interventions worldwide.
Although pain relief is the most common goal of acupuncture, researchers are studying whether it can be used to treat other health conditions, such as depression.
Many people with depression consider acupuncture as a complementary therapy. One reason is that acupuncture is associated with fewer side effects than antidepressants.
Further, the central goal of acupuncture is to restore balance to the body by increasing the flow of chi, or vital energy, while fatigue and lack of energy are common symptoms of depression, says Dr. Jasdeep Sandhu, integrative psychiatrist in Atlanta. In addition, acupuncture is widely used to relieve pain, which itself can cause depression or be caused by depression.
– People suffering from depression often have a feeling of pain and lack of energy, while acupuncture has a unique way of working with energy and channels, or meridians, in our body to restore balance – says Dr. Sandhu, Telegraph reports.
During an acupuncture treatment, thin needles are inserted into the skin at specific points on the body to stimulate the central nervous system.
This causes the release of substances in the muscles, spinal cord and brain that activate the body’s natural healing processes, which promotes overall physical and emotional well-being.
Acupuncture also aims to correct hormonal imbalances and increase levels of “good” substances in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, says Nell Smircina, doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine. Changes in brain substances like these are a possible cause of depression.
Although a limited number of studies suggest that acupuncture may reduce symptoms of depression, more research is needed before it can be considered a reliable treatment for mood disorders. Furthermore, even if acupuncture helps some people with depression feel better, it is unlikely that it will ever be a one-size-fits-all solution.
Managing depression is complicated and requires a multifaceted approach, says Dr. Sandhu, referring to that includes standard, well-studied treatments such as psychotherapy (talk therapy) and antidepressants.
What potential benefits do studies show for treating depression with acupuncture?
Acupuncture has shown promise for depression in multiple studies. One of the largest, a review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, evaluated 64 studies of acupuncture for depression involving more than 7,100 participants. Acupuncture has been found to be moderately effective in reducing the severity of depression compared to standard depression treatments or no treatment at all.
Another systematic review of 29 studies, published in August 2019 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, found that acupuncture was an adjunct to standard depression treatments.
The problem is that the studies conducted so far have several limitations, one of the most important of which is that they don’t clarify how acupuncture stacks up against psychotherapy or medication, which are standard treatments for depression.
In addition, the studies in the Cochrane Review lacked medium- and long-term follow-up, so it is impossible to know how long-term acupuncture affects depressive symptoms. Most studies also did not consider the side effects of acupuncture. This means that the risks of performing acupuncture on people with depression are not yet known.
Additionally, in a review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, researchers noted that 22 of the 27 included studies were conducted in China, where acupuncture is more commonly practiced than in other countries. It is not certain how applicable these findings are to people living in other countries. Again, most of these studies did not include follow-up to determine whether any benefits were long-term.
Is it okay to rely solely on acupuncture to manage depression?
In a word, no. Although acupuncture can help you feel better, it’s not a replacement for standard depression treatments, says Dr. Smircina.
If you want to try acupuncture, do it along with talk therapy, medications, or other well-researched treatment options.
Dr. Sandhu agrees and also recommends telling the acupuncturist exactly what you want to achieve with acupuncture, such as relief from pain, low mood, or fatigue caused by depression.
The frequency of acupuncture treatment varies from person to person. Some people start with two or three treatments a week, says Dr. Smircina. Others find that once a week is enough, especially for maintenance treatment or general pain or stress relief.
Before trying acupuncture, check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you. Electrical stimulation acupuncture and certain acupuncture points may not be suitable for people with pacemakers or pregnant women.
Possible side effects of acupuncture are often minor and may include pain, slight bruising or bleeding where the needles are placed.
Is acupuncture worth trying for depression?
There is not enough evidence that acupuncture actually relieves symptoms of depression. In general, however, acupuncture is believed to be safe when performed properly.
– Fortunately, acupuncture is a very safe method and has very few and rare side effects – says Dr. Smircina.
Yes Sandhu agrees, arguing that acupuncture is generally safe as long as you choose to go to a trained, licensed and certified professional.
Can ear acupuncture help with weight loss?
But first of all, it is important to talk to your doctor before you decide to go for acupuncture. Smircina believes that “your doctor or psychiatrist and your acupuncturist need to communicate and keep your goals in mind,” she says. /Telegraph/
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