Acupuncture and Depression - A Good Match?

Acupuncture and depression seem to be an unlikelyOther studies on the clinical or medical use of
match. But you will be surprised what acupuncture canacupuncture have been done, and one notable among
do for depression. After many tests conducted bythem is one on the link between acupuncture and
researchers to test the claims by many who havedepression treatment. This study noted that with the
benefited from acupuncture, it has been proven thatfailure of medication and sometimes even
this natural treatment method can really do wonderspsychotherapy in during depression, the possibility of
for depression and anxiety.alternative treatments for depression, like acupuncture,
What Is Acupuncture, Anyway?may be helpful.
Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese medicine form ofTargeted Treatment
treatment or fitness regimen that uses a needleFor acupuncture to be effective, it has to be focused
insertion technique into strategic nerve points in theand targeted, and done on a regular basis. A University
body. Treating pain, treating diseases and promotingof Arizona study on acupuncture and depression
well being - these are the major objectives ofsubjected a group 38 adults who have been found to
acupuncture.be suffering from depression ranging from the mild to
Scientific studies are looking at the efficacy andthe moderate stage of depression. The acupuncture
usability of acupuncture in modern medicine and thereregimen was done regularly, with twice-weekly
have been relevant evidences of its effectiveness insessions lasting for 30 days, with reducing frequency
the treatment of muscular pains in the neck and backon the succeeding months. After the study period,
regions, in nausea and headache instances, even inmore than half of those treated say that they
some psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety.experienced no less than half of the symptoms have
Anxiety And Depression - Physiologicalbeen reduced, if not totally eliminated.
Many researchers are now leaning towards the theoryAs such, acupuncture may well have been an
that depression is physiological rather thaneffective alternative treatment for depression, but the
psychological. The condition often comes about whenstudy concluded that it has to be targeted and
the body lacks the necessary biochemicals, nutrientsfocused nonetheless. Specific acupuncture treatment,
and vitamins to enable the mind and body to work inone that is targeted at acupoints that will induce
sync and thrive healthily.relaxation and reduce anxiety, is seen to reduce the
When these physiological needs have been met, manytreatment time among patients. In comparison,
depressed people get well dramatically. For thesenon-specific acupuncture treatment tends to prolong
reasons, researchers are now finding ways on how tothe treatment although it may aid in the treatment of
retain and how to prevent these biochemicals fromother conditions. The benefits of acupuncture will still
breaking down prematurely.have to be studied taken in the context of specific and
This is where acupuncture comes in. Acupuncturefocused acupuncture treatment designed for the
stimulates nerve endings to send the correct signals tosevere depression types, vis-à-vis conventional
their corresponding organs. The stimulation results intreatment and medications.
active production of needed chemicals, not more, notLifestyle And Diet Change
less - in just the perfect amount.It should be noted that as acupuncture gains more
With regular acupuncture sessions, a depressedacceptance in its use as a complementary method for
person may not even need medications to alleviate thethe treatment of depression, the cure brought about
symptoms. A visit to an acupuncturist is all it might takeby acupuncture is also often related to a lifestyle
to have a peaceful and calm mind.change and dietary discipline among the patients using
Conclusions Drawn By Reliable Institutionsthe acupuncture treatment. This is so because
The National Institutes of Health found that, to quoteacupuncture in the strictest Chinese traditional medicine
their conclusion, "there is sufficient evidence of thesense is a discipline in itself, and that discipline radiates
value of acupuncture in expanding its use into other lifestyle and dietary aspects of the patient
conventional medicine and to encourage further studiesbeing treated for the depression.
of its physiology and clinical value".