Easing Depression with Acupuncture
Modern medicinal sciences make a case for depression in line with the symptoms it manifests and makes visible. Ancient Chinese medicine looked at these ailments from a special angle. The ancient Chinese believed that each of the bodily functions was ruled by the energy Qi that flowed through the body.
They proposed that an energy system referred to as the liver energy system was responsible for the body’s ability to recover from emotional stress and was directly associated with depression. This technique was very important for maintaining a free flow of Qi, and any disturbance resulted in a cascade of obstructions to the flow.
Similarly, the heart system controls excitation, the lung system is related to sadness, and the spleen and kidneys influence worry and concern, respectively. This division of causes and effects created the potential for the identification of places wherever Qi was obstructed. Channels, or meridians, along the length of the body were known because they were pathways for the flow of Qi.
The appropriate points might be excited to direct the flow of energy and induce the natural processes of healing. Depression is taken into account as a disturbance primarily of the liver system, along with the heart and spleen systems. Working of Acupuncture Therapy for Depression Acupuncture stresses the whole-body healing of the body rather than targeting the symptoms.
Standard therapies have separate medicines dedicated to boosting neurotransmitter levels, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, etc. All these may be the results of depression, but they have to be treated individually. Acupuncture sees all the above as originating from one source. Depression can also be related to or coincide with other conditions that worsen the situation.
What the treatment involves Needles used in acupuncture induce a tingling pain that lasts only a moment. This triggers a cascade of events wherever the body secretes endorphins and other compounds that are part of its natural analgesics.
These flow into the blood and induce a “feel good” sensation. Further, the recurrent sessions stimulate an overall improvement in blood flow and overall healing. The treatment may include points on the ear, hands, and torso. The various combinations are decided after the expert has an idea of what the patient is experiencing and the physical condition they are in.
Acupuncture, being an alternative medicine, has not been standardized in terms of what areas are to be focused on regarding a particular ailment. For the most part, it is followed according to the expertise and reasoning of the expert. The diagnosis is completed by observing the pulse, the tongue, and the strengths and weaknesses of Qi.
Acupuncture treatments for depression While there are several treatment methods for depression, the one most commonly used is called The Four Gates. This includes targeting the Large Intestine 4 (LI4) point on the hand between the thumb and index finger and Liver 3 (Liv3) on the feet between the primary and second toes. Other points may include stomach 36 and spleen 6 to boost digestion.
There may be slight variation within the points on which different therapists focus, depending on their understanding of the problem. Since acupuncture does not have side effects, such variations do not lead to a significant distinction in efficacy or risk. However, pregnant ladies and people stricken by severe ailments of the heart concomitantly should approach therapists who are well experienced in dealing with such cases.
Curing Side Effects Since depression is an additional mental ailment, the effects of acupuncture are easily noticeable through the patient’s rejuvenated attitude. Many of the coinciding discomforts, like indigestion and loss of appetite, are simultaneously treated without any medication. Acupuncture allows the patient to have their own quiet time and relax without brooding about their problems. Learn More About Acupuncture Supplies and the Acupuncture Forum