Can Acupuncture for Depression Help?

Depression doesn’t discriminate age, gender, ethnicity, culture or background. This common mental health problem will affect two-thirds of adults at some point in their lives, and for some, severe depression will disrupt their normal routine. Every day, more people are looking for alternatives to antidepressant medication and its side effects, and acupuncture for depression could be the answer to those who would like to have a different option. Studies have found that this alternative treatment can be as effective as antidepressants, and even may ease the side effects of the medication.

Depression Symptoms

Once in a while, everyone may experience low mood, but normally this feeling pass after some days. Clinical depression is different, and people can feel down and sad more frequently becoming chronic. The symptoms can go from irritability, low mood, anxiety, weight change, lack of motivation, low self-esteem, lack of appetite, changes in sleeping patterns, low concentration, tiredness, to physical pain and suicidal thoughts. A combination of environmental, genetic, biochemical and psychological factors can result in depression, and can be provoked by stressful incidents such as illnesses, financial difficulties, relationship problems, and mourning.

Not a bright forecast

At least one in five persons will experiment clinical depression once in their lifetime. Women have higher probabilities of suffering from depression than men, mainly due to hormone changes during menstrual periods, pregnancy and after childbirth, and menopause. Depression costs billions of dollars per year in lost working days, medications, and benefits. This mental disease is spreading so fast, that the World Heath Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2020 depression will be the second international health oppressor preceded by chronic heart diseases.

Acupuncture for Depression

Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, releasing neurochemical molecules passing a message that generates biochemical changes that at the same time provoke emotional and physical wellbeing. By changing the chemistry of the brain, acupuncture is capable of rising the production of endorphins and serotonin, acting as an antidepressant. The stimulation of specific acupuncture points can influence areas of the brain that decrease sensitivity to stress and pain, boosting relaxation. In order to help diminish the side effects of anti-depressants and enhance its beneficial effects, medication can be combined with acupuncture.

Acupuncture for depression can also treat physical illnesses and chronic pain that can contribute to causing depression. Psychological therapy, and lifestyle and diet changes are also a good recipe to overcome depression. Acupuncture treatment is often covered by extended health plans in Vancouver. Contact Prestige and book an appointment with our registered acupuncturist if you are looking to experience a relaxing and healing treatment of acupuncture in Kitsilano. Whether you are interested in acupuncture for depression, pain relief, anxiety or any other condition, Azadeh Baradaran will be happy to help you.