Depression and Medical Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest therapeutic methods used to date, and has its origins in China.  It is a method of treating many diseases and illnesses, without causing side effects, completely natural, and can be applied either alone or in combination with other treatments, accelerating and enhancing their effectiveness.

According to scientific research, just as psychotherapy helps, acupuncture can help people suffering from depression. This technique is applied in our Institute, always by physicians/acupuncturists, and provides quick and long-term results, relieving the patient.

Depression: What is it

By depression, we mean a severe disorder of mental mood. It is a symptom that often involves the subjective experience of grief. A very common health problem that can occur to anyone, regardless of age, gender or social status, with a higher incidence in women (due to the complexity of hormones, gestation period, childbirth, menopause, etc.).

It has a biological or social basis, and because it places a catalytic burden on patients’ lives, timely diagnosis and treatment, is imperative. When a person is depressed, every emotion is experienced very intensely and for a longer period of time.

According to the World Health Organization, common mental disorders are on the rise around the world. Between 1990-2013, the number of people who have suffered from depression or /and anxiety, increased by 50%, with about 10% of the world’s population affected by one or the other mental disorder.

Chronic pains, insomnia and fatigue are symptoms that occur alongside depression, which Acupuncture successfully treats, as it facilitates the release of endorphins into the central nervous system, thus elevating the feeling of euphoria and energy.

Depression: What are the Symptoms ?

Depression is manifested by several symptoms:

• Sleep Disorders
• Crying
• Stomach upset
• Inability to concentrate
• Irritability
• Reduced interest in activities we love
• Low self-esteem
• Anxiety
• Memory disorders
• Physical pains
• Change in appetite that leads to a change in body weight
• Lack of motivation

Depression: How Acupuncture can help

Through the process of medical acupuncture, levels of neurotransmitters are increased. The specialized physician / acupuncturist stimulates selected parts of the body, which affect the area of the brain associated with the sensation of pain and anxiety, disabling the point that is responsible for the feeling of sadness. In this way, acupuncture causes natural relief from the symptoms of depression, achieving balance in the mind and body.

Depression: What’s the Procedure?

At the first visit, the patient must provide a detailed, medical history. Together with the specialized physician / acupuncturist of our Institute, the patient’s lifestyle is analyzed, i.e. his diet, physical activity, and any other activities included in his daily life.

Acupuncture involves placing very fine needles on the body and face. The placement takes place at selected pressure points, which concern specific areas of the human body.

By following a well-defined schedule of sessions, most symptoms of depression and melancholy are alleviated, and become manageable from the very first sessions.

The patient returns to his activities, feels overall better, and becomes more sociable, as his symptoms have started to subside.