Depression is something that many of us experience at times. While it may be debilitating at times, most often people are able to push past the experience without long term affects. Clinical depression, however, is a serious illness that affects nearly 5% of the population. Of those that suffer from depression, approximately 2/3 of the patients recover from the first episode. Unfortunately, 70% ultimately relapse.
The criteria for diagnosis clinical depression are as follows. The patient must suffer from at least five of the following symptoms, and experience them almost daily for two weeks.
• Feeling seriously unhappy or dejected for most of the day
• Loss of interest in activities that normally bring about pleasure
• Drastic changes in appetite, weight gain or weight loss
• Sleeping disturbances such as inability to sleep, or excessive sleeping
• Lack of energy or fatigue
• Feelings of guilt without cause, feeling worthless
• Inability to concentrate or complete logical thoughts
• Continuing thoughts of suicide or attempted suicide
Recently a study was done to determine if acupuncture was effective in treating the symptoms of depression. The study was broken down into two eight week periods, conducted in a 16 week period. A total of 34 women were divided into three groups. During the first eight weeks, group 1 received treatments to address their current symptoms; group 2 received general acupuncture that was not designed to treat specific symptoms, and group 3 did not receive any acupuncture. All 34 patients received acupuncture treatments that were specifically designed to treat their symptoms for the remaining eight weeks.
Upon completion of the study, the results were as follows. Group 1 (tailored acupuncture) demonstrated a 43% reduction in symptoms. Group 2 (general acupuncture) demonstrated a 22% reduction in symptoms. Group 3 (waited for acupuncture) demonstrated a 14% reduction in symptoms. This clearly demonstrates that acupuncture is effective in relieving the symptoms of even serious depression.
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can play an important role in conjunction with other therapies in the treatment of mild or serious depression. When we feel emotional upsets, our internal balance becomes disrupted. Likewise, our emotions are greatly affected when we experience physical problems. Not only can acupuncture & Oriental Medicine help to alleviate the signs and symptoms accompanying depression, they can also address the root causes and underlying imbalances that have contributed to the problem. Acupuncture has been proven to be extremely effective in treating a person on the physical, emotional, and mental levels.
Together, we will determine the underlying causes of your depression, and develop a personalized treatment plan for you. By addressing both the causes and symptoms, we will help you regain true happiness in your life. Call us today and begin your journey towards wellness.
