DEPRESSION

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Depression is a common mental illness that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, poor concentration and sometimes suicidal thoughts. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide, with one in four Britons suffer ing from depression within a given year.   It can affect people of every age, background and ethnicity.   

Causes of Depression 

Western medicine attributes depression to a variety of factors, such as genetics, biochemistry, life events and ill health. Treatment involves anti-depressant drugs and psychological treatment. Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary care. Acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment for depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke), through clinical trials. 

In Chinese Medicine theory, human emotions are closely related to the organs. The organ predominantly associated with depression is the Liver whose main function is to store blood and maintain a good flow of Qi (the body’s essential energy) throughout the body. Unrestricted anger, seen often in a short tempered person, can directly affect the Liver, causing a stagnation of the Liver’s own energy (the Liver Qi) – which is often the underlying problem in depression as well as in stress and anxiety.

Treatment for Depression 

 A US study has shown that acupuncture achieves comparable results to current Western medicine in the treatment of depression. The research, funded by the US Office of Alternative Health, focused on the treatment of 33 seriously depressed women. Results showed that of those treated with acupuncture, over half experienced complete remission. 

At Bubbling Spring Acupuncture Clinic, treatment for depression will usually focus on clearing Liver Qi stagnation using acupuncture, and also advice on diet and lifestyle may be given since a change in these two aspects might be vital to a successful outcome. Treatment is always tailored to your individual symptoms and requirements.

Client Feedback 

'From the first treatment, I felt like a new person. Helen takes into account everything that is going on physically and mentally, and adapts treatment accordingly to give great results. Helen has a very calming, sympathetic manner and is happy to answer questions. I am very pleased to have found Helen and wish I had come to her sooner... I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her' C.J.

'I have seen Helen weekly for the last five weeks. I have been going through a real stressful time. I can not recommend Helen highly enough! She has been absolutely brilliant. The acupuncture has helped so much. I feel calmer and more centred. Sleep after a treatment is really good ?. I plan to go once a month now for a top up appointment.' L.S

'Helen is an incredibly knowledgeable and intuitive acupuncturist. My sessions with her have been deeply healing.' J.C.    

Research

Hou DF et al. [Clinical observation of therapeutic effect of baihui (GV20)-yintang (EX-HN3) electro-acupuncture in 30 cases of post-apoplectic depression.] Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1996, 16(8):432-433 [in Chinese]. 

Li CD et al. Treating post-stroke depression with “antidepressive” acupuncture therapy: A clinical study of 21 cases. International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, 1994, 5(4):389-393. 

Luo HC et al. Electro-acupuncture vs amitriptyline in the treatment of depressive states. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1985, 5(1):3-8. 

Luo HC et al. [Clinical observation of electro-acupuncture on 133 patients with depression in comparison with tricyclic amytriptyline.] Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, 1988, 8(2):77-80 [in Chinese]. 

Yang X. Clinical observation of needling extrameridian points in treating mental depression. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1994, 14:14-18. 

Zhang B et al. A control study of clinical therapeutic effects of laser-acupuncture on depressive neurosis. World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, 1996, 6(2):12-17. 

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