Depression is a mood disorder characterized by both
physical and psychological symptoms that can be
detrimental to one's normal daily functioning. Depressed
individuals often suffer from poor sleeping habits,
crying spells, anxiety, worry, poor memory, inability
to concentrate, body aches, stomach disturbances
and a lack of interest in activities previously
enjoyed. In extreme cases, individuals become helpless
and hopeless about their lives and suicide is often
considered. Modern medicine typically treats depression
with a form of psychotherapy and/or anti-depressant
drugs regardless of the specific symptoms presented
by the depressed patient. In the United States,
the DSM-IV, a diagnostic tool for appropriately
categorizing psychological disorders, is widely
used in the diagnosis and treatment for depression.
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In contrast, Chinese traditional medicine does not
recognize depression as a particular illness per
se, but it aims to treat the specific symptoms that
are unique to the individual using a variety of
techniques such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs, tui-na
massage, and energetic exercises to restore imbalances
found in the body.
Based on a holistic approach, acupuncture consists
of fine needles inserted along various points
in the body, with the purpose of stimulating the
body's flow of energy and functionality, known
as Qi. Though acupuncture has been traditionally
taught as a preventive form of health care, it
has also been proven effective in the treatment
of pain and chronic conditions. Conditions Acupuncture
Can Treat
Since the early nineties, studies around the
globe have suggested that treating depression
with acupuncture has a positive and holistic effect
on depressed patients, particularly when used
in combination with psychotherapy and herbal treatments.
The first group received acupuncture treatment
specifically tailored to their depression symptoms.
The second group received a general acupuncture
treatment not specific to depression, and the
third group was placed on a waiting list for acupuncture
treatment, but received no treatment. The study
found that those in the tailored acupuncture treatment
experienced a significant reduction in symptoms,
compared to those in the non-specific treatment.
Moreover, over 50% of the participants no longer
met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for depression
after the study.
The study findings suggest that using acupuncture
alone could be as effective as other types of
treatments for relieving depression symptoms typically
used in Western medicine, such as psychotherapy
and drugs. While these results are promising and
the United Nations World Health Organization has
approved acupuncture as a treatment for depression,
further clinical trials with larger samples are
deemed necessary to endorse this new hope for
relief.
Look for an acupuncturist with formal training
and experience in the treatment of menopause.
About Lisa Ma
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