Things You'll Need:
- Herbal teas and supplements
- Acupuncture needles
- Acupuncture practitioner
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Step 1
Discuss acupuncture treatments with your current mental health professional in order to find out if such a treatment is right for you. While many doctors and psychiatrist may not agree on the benefits of acupuncture, most acknowledge that it is a relatively low-risk treatment option as long as proper hygiene protocols are followed, such as using only sterilized needles.
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Step 2
Obtain a referral for an acupuncture practitioner that specializes in medical acupuncture, as opposed to therapeutic acupuncture. Alternative health care centers are an excellent resource for such recommendations.
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Step 3
Use online resources, such as the website for the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, to locate a practitioner who will treat your depression with acupuncture (see Resources below). If the AAMA practitioner you contact does not treat your specific medical condition, she will be able to find one that does.
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Step 4
Get accustomed to the sensation of the acupuncture needles being inserted into your skin. For most people, this is the biggest fear associated with acupuncture, and this may prevent them from going through with the treatment. Most proponents of acupuncture note that the pain is minimal due to the small diameters of the needles.
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Step 5
Use other types of alternative treatments in conjunction with the acupuncture in order to effectively treat your depression. Herbal teas and supplements containing St. John's Wort and licorice may be effective, and improving your diet by eating healthier, organic foods that help to raise energy levels naturally will also yield better results. Complement these treatments with an exercise regimen including yoga, tai chi or stretching exercises, and you will increase the chances of eliminating your depression naturally.
