Can Acupuncture treat depression?

[A_son_unique]

Hi

I've had Acpuncture in the past to treat headaches and general aches/pains but I'm not to sure about how effective it is for depression. It worked wonders for what I wrote above so I have complete faith in that aspect but would like to know who far Acpuncture can reach into the realms of mental health.

I'm contemplating going back for some treatment and would like to know if anyone else has been treated for depression or anything else relating to the mind plus any qualified Dr's or therapists who work in this field.

I've spoken to the chinese doctor who performs acupuncture and the man from delmonte says YES it can work but why take his word for it when I can also consult healthypages

Thanks

[jnani]

Originally Posted by A_son_unique

Hi

I've had Acpuncture in the past to treat headaches and general aches/pains but I'm not to sure about how effective it is for depression. It worked wonders..

I've spoken to the chinese doctor who performs acupuncture and the man from delmonte says YES it can work but why take his word for it when I can also consult healthypages

Thanks

When people speak, only words are ever used. Why take his word for it, why indeed! But what is the guarentee you will take our(those who reply to this post) word for it?
Trust is something you find within your own heart. Who can do it for you?
Why not go for it? it worked before. Give it a chance.

I feel you are frightened to lose money(if it doesn't work) but then you try nothing, because there is always a chance with everything that it might not work.

Money is important but You are more so. Go for it. Stop sitting on fence. You are sending a message to the Intelligence that ''I want it but I am not prepared to risk a few measly quid; I can't waste money beacuse I have not got enough; I can wait until someone can do it for free( because embracing healing is not my top priority...)That is a weak message don't you think? Jump! You will stumble upon the right thing.
Finding your wholeness is an urgency. It is not a wishy washy affair.

[David- Maldon]

Hiya

Acupuncture has been shown to be helpful in cases of mild depression and I’ve certainly seen evidence of this in my own training and practice. It works from the principle of restoring balance to the body, and as depression is usually accompanied by physical symptoms, acupuncture may help to alleviate some of these too.

Chinese medicine has a foundation in which the mind and body are intrinsically connected, so a “physical” treatment like acupuncture (or massage and so on) can have an effect on the emotions too. It is noted for having a calming effect, which may help with things like stress levels and insomnia, often associated with depression.

It’s worth finding a practitioner you can relate to; I would avoid anywhere where a consultation took place via an interpreter, not because the practitioner in not qualified, but because a personal connection is essential to build trust and support, and that’s difficult to do via a third party. Check out the websites of practitioners in your area, and call them directly, or ask around for recommendations, but avoid physiotherapists and osteopaths as the type of acupuncture they normally deliver is not usually based in the whole Mind-Body-Spirit approach, and is often learned in just two weekends.

Interestingly Chairman Mao removed the word “depression” from the Chinese language in order to make China seem a brighter place. Chinese use the word “oppression” instead, for which the character represents a heart being crushed in a door. As “heart” also represents “spirit” or consciousness, it seems like a good way to describe the effects of depression on the body.

Anything more serious than minor depression should always be referred to your GP, but you can still work with acupuncture alongside anything else they might recommend.

Best wishes for improved well being

David Kemp BSc Hons Acupuncture

[Elixir]

I couldn't agree with David more, he makes some excellent points.

I too have seen great results treating mental and emotional conditions with acupuncture in my practice. In Chinese medicine we don't separate mind and body, and mental issues such as depression are considered as disorders of Qi in a similar way as physical problems. As we all know, mind effects body and vice versa, so it's really impossible to separate the 2. Acupuncture can have profound effects on physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual levels - give it a try!