First, let us look at the report from German study on depression
“The benefit from whole body acupuncture in major depression.”
Röschke J1, Wolf C, Müller MJ, Wagner P, Mann K, Grözinger M, Bech S.
Author information
1
Department of Psychiatry, University of Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55101, Mainz, Germany. roeschke@goofy.zdv.uni-mainz.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
In a single-blind placebo-controlled study design we investigated the efficacy of acupuncture additionally applied to drug treatment in major depression.
METHODS:
We randomly included 70 inpatients with a major depressive episode in three different treatment groups: verum acupuncture, placebo acupuncture and a control group. All three groups were pharmacologically treated with the antidepressant mianserin. The verum group received acupuncture at specific points considered effective in the treatment of depression. The placebo group was treated with acupuncture at non-specific locations and the control group received pharmacological treatment plus clinical management. Acupuncture was applied three times a week over a period of 4 weeks. Psychopathology was rated by judges blind to verum/placebo conditions twice a week over 8 weeks.
RESULTS:
Patients who experienced acupuncture improved slightly more than patients treated with mianserin alone.
CONCLUSIONS:
Additionally applied acupuncture improved the course of depression more than pharmacological treatment with mianserin alone. However, we could not detect any differences between placebo and verum acupuncture.
Anxiety comes in a wide range of manifestations, from mild worrying to more physical responses such as nausea, insomnia, shortness of breath and panic attacks. Some anxiety is a healthy response to the stress of daily life and new situations; however, anxiety that occurs randomly or excessively is a sign to take notice. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help balance both the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety and help to create harmony and spaciousness.
From an acupuncture and Chinese medicine perspective, many manifestations of anxiety can be traced back to the energetic concert between the heart and kidneys. The temperament of the heart is fiery, expansive and upward. From a Chinese medicine standpoint, it exhibits yang characteristics. The dynamic terrain of the kidneys are on the other end of the Chinese medicine continuum. The kidneys’ energetic character is fluid, inward and contemplative, exhibiting a yin nature. If there is too much fire, we may experience symptoms of anxiety and agitation of the mind.
It is estimated that 20% of the population is depressed at some point in life. Common symptoms of depression during holiday time include a sense of apathy, cynicism or anger toward the holiday season, isolation from festivities and holiday traditions, crying spells and over-consumption of food and/or alcohol. Depression may be compounded in some people by SAD, seasonal affective disorder – a type of depression associated with the low light conditions experienced during the winter months.
In acupuncture and Chinese medicine, the liver’s job is to negotiate the free flow of energy in the body. Impaired liver function can lead to inappropriate jams, limited availability of resources and sluggishness. In acupuncture and Chinese medicine this condition is often referred to as liver depression and qi stagnation. The “depression” is the body’s reduced ability to move its resources. Stagnation occurs when the lack of energy to circulate needed supplies becomes obstructed. This can cause sleep and digestive complaints, musculoskeletal pain and emotional instability. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer effective strategies to remedy the depressed energy and to move the resulting stagnation, leading to better health and outlook.
While modern life has helped make so many aspects of daily living easier, many people still suffer from emotional distress especially around the Holiday season. Subsequently, anxiety, increased stress and depression are some of the most common conditions affecting individuals during this eventful season. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are effective and safe tools to help smooth and balance what can be a challenging time of the year even under the best circumstances.
About the Author
Sharon Sherman is a Licensed Practitioner of Oriental Medicine (L.OM.)
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