{"id":2790,"date":"2023-04-03T08:00:07","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T15:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tybeeacupuncture.com\/?p=2790"},"modified":"2023-03-27T18:06:05","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T01:06:05","slug":"can-acupuncture-help-with-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tybeeacupuncture.com\/can-acupuncture-help-with-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Acupuncture Help with Depression?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As mental health issues have come to the forefront in recent years, many have sought more natural treatment options that don\u2019t involve pharmaceuticals and their potentially harmful effects. Acupuncture has become a popular option for treating mental health issues, including depression. But does it work? Before we answer that question, let\u2019s give a proper definition to both acupuncture and depression.<\/span><\/p>\n Acupuncture can simply be defined as thin needles (the width of a human hair) inserted into specific parts of the body called \u201cpoints\u201d or \u201cmeridians.\u201d Where the needles get inserted depends on the issue being treated. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (also known as TCM) it is taught that the body has a flow of energy or qi that regulates a person\u2019s health. If this flow of energy is disrupted, illness can occur. Applying the acupuncture needles to these specific points can put the body back in balance and get the energy flowing as it should.<\/span><\/p>\n WebMD defines depression as \u201can illness that involves constant feelings of sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure.\u201d They also define additional symptoms as difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, lack of energy, suicidal thoughts, drastic changes to weight and appetite, irritability, difficulty concentrating, remembering things or even making decisions, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Depression is most often treated with medication or therapy or a combination of both. The disheartening thing is that, according to WebMD, \u201cbetween 19 and 34% of people with depression don\u2019t improve with these more traditional treatments.” This has led to more people looking for alternative treatments including acupuncture.<\/span><\/p>\nAcupuncture Defined\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Depression Defined<\/b><\/h2>\n
What the Research Says<\/b><\/h2>\n