Can Acupuncture Help with Depression?

Depression can negatively affect the way a person feels, thinks, and acts. Though technically a mental disorder, depression can affect one’s physical health too. It can become difficult to build and maintain relationships and it can be a struggle to stay focused at work or in school.

Depression is a common mental disorder. It is estimated that in the U.S., 1 in 6 adults will experience depressive symptoms at some point in their life.

Early depression diagnosis and treatment vastly improve treatment outcomes and it is important not to ignore depression. There are a variety of solutions out there to help support you through your journey with depression whatever the cause.

Depression Symptoms

People suffering from depression may experience a variety of symptoms. These symptoms may emerge due to specific triggers or may simply overwhelm us without notice. Over time, it is possible to identify if you have certain triggers and if there are preventative measures that work for you.

Here are some common symptoms of depression:

• Loss of interest in activities
• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and emptiness
• Persistent irritability
• Tiredness or a lack of energy
• Sleep disturbances
• A loss of appetite or food cravings
• Trouble concentrating and making decisions
• Constant back pain or headaches

What Causes Depression?

The exact cause of depression is unknown. Many researchers believe that chemical imbalances in the brain, medical conditions, genetics, traumatic life events, and certain medications can increase one’s chances of developing depression. Gender is also a risk factor for depression; women are at higher risk of mental disorders than men.

How Does Acupuncture For Depression Work?

Many people with depression use acupuncture to manage their symptoms naturally and to help prevent them. Acupuncture in Walnut Creek is a natural, drug-free way to help manage depression and its symptoms.

Acupuncture can help reduce depression symptoms by:

• Altering brain chemistry and increasing the production of happy hormones such as endorphins and serotonin that promote well-being. Acupuncture can also help the neurochemical pathways better regulate hormones and amino acids involved in emotional and psychological processes.
• Stimulating the primary somatosensory cortex – the area of the brain responsible for reducing sensitivity to pain. It can help deactivate the amygdala, the part of the brain that modulates fear response in humans.
• Reducing chronic pain, which is often a contributing factor to the development of depression, especially in people struggling with chronic health conditions.
• Stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system to activate the relaxation response, thereby promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
• Changing the way the parietal lobe, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, and other parts of the brain (which play a vital role in processing emotions and memories) interact with each other.

Are you struggling with depression or any other mental disorder? Let Monarch Acupuncture & Wellness help. Our acupuncturists bring years of experience to the table. Their expertise enables them to get to the root cause of mental disorders and treat them. To make an appointment, click here.