Acupuncture for Depression
Depression is characterised by a despondency
that affects how you think and feel.
We all have these feelings, from time to time, but sometimes
they can be harder to control and affect our daily activities.
The Office of National Statistics (ONS 2000) found that about 1 in 6 of all adults suffer and found that the most prevalent disorder was mixed anxiety and depression.
According to research, women are more likely than men to suffer with depression (Stewart et al, 2004), due to hormone changes that occur pre-menstrually, at menopause, during pregnancy or after childbirth.
The World Health Organization predicts that by 2020 depression will be second only to chronic heart disease as an international health burden.
Acupuncture can be effective for depression. We may be able to help you.
Although everyone experiences low moods, these usually pass after a few days. Depression is when these problems become chronic or recurrent, and interfere with daily life. It can cause symptoms such as low mood, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, anxiety, irritability low self-esteem, disturbed sleep or appetite, weight change, tiredness, lack of motivation, concentration or libido, physical pain, and suicidal thoughts.
Depression is likely to result from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors but may be triggered by stressful events, such as a bereavement, illness, relationship problems or financial difficulties.
How acupuncture can help?
From a Chinese medicine perspective symptoms are understood as an imbalance in your system.
Depression relates to imbalances that affect 'Shen'神. This roughly translates as 'spirit, mind, awareness, consciousness' and can be rooted in a number of different aspects of your system. Specific diagnostic techniques, such as tongue and pulse diagnosis, abdominal and channel palpation, alongside talking, are used to identify the underlying pattern of disruption. Needles are then used in specific points that stimulate and rectify your mind and body’s normal physiological function.
From a Western medical perspective, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body's homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Where do the needles go?
We generally use a combination of ‘local’ and ‘distal’ points. ‘Local’ points are on your abdomen and are above and below your navel. ‘Distal’ points are on your arms and legs, generally below your elbow and knees.
I will always discuss what points I am going to use first and make sure that you feel comfortable. If you do not, please let me know.
How much treatment do I need?
At the initial consultation we go through your medical history and any notes or test results that you have, and combine these with a Chinese medical diagnosis to develop an individual treatment plan to suit you. Treatment is generally advised every week to two weeks for as long as is necessary.
