How to Use Acupuncture for Depression

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese approach to locating energy in the body and how it relates to sickness and health. Energy fields run through the body and, at times of illness, stress, or injury, the energy can become “trapped” at key points. Releasing this energy and re-establishing balance is key in acupuncture, and provides the foundation for acupuncture study and methodology. Depression is a mental health disorder, and may not initially seem related to acupuncture. However, according to eastern medicine, depression may be a result of imbalance or of blocked energy channels in the body. A western medicine interpretation would say that the central nervous system is experiencing a neurological disruption or creating an intense anxious or depressive state. Whereas western medicine would treat with prescription drugs that change brain chemistry, eastern medicine looks at changing energy channels to improve balance. Neither approach is necessarily better or worse. For some patients with depression, acupuncture can be a low-invasive treatment method. Learn how to use acupuncture for depression.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A good acupuncturist

1. Wear loose-fitting clothes to your acupuncture appointment. Some acupuncture points are located in places on the arms, legs, and belly, and tight clothing will make accessing these points difficult.
2. Hydrate before going to your acupuncture appointment, but don’t hydrate too much. Some acupuncturists give 10-minute sessions, while others give 45-minute sessions. You don’t want a full bladder 20 minutes into a long session, but you don’t want to be dehydrated either.
3. Avoid caffeine before your acupuncture session to treat depression. Caffeine will stimulate the central nervous system and may interfere with the depression treatment.
4. Write a list of your depression symptoms before going to your acupuncture appointment. Take the list with you and go over the issues with your acupuncturist.
5. Talk to your acupuncturist about any issues you have with light, sound, or scent. Some acupuncturists use incense and, if incense bothers you, let them know.
6. Relax during the acupuncture depression treatment. As long as you’ve selected a capable acupuncturist, who understands your symptoms, you will have a good treatment and, over time, will see improvement.
7. Return for repeat appointments. You didn’t become depressed overnight. Treating depression with acupuncture will take numerous sessions and time.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t be afraid of the needles; they barely hurt going in, and then don’t hurt after.
• Watch to make sure the acupuncturist uses sterile needles. If not, leave.