Acupuncture for Depression: Does It Really Work? Discuss with Top 10 Questions

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing system that has been found to be successful in effectively treating different type of health conditions. It is believed that this form of treatment is about 2000 years old. Earlier acupuncture was not very widely accepted as a form of treatment in the west. Extensive research and studies were done on this and acupuncture has been found to be effective in curing many diseases. The World Health Organization or WHO has recognized more then 40 types of diseases that can be effectively cured by acupuncture. Acupuncture can successfully cure depression besides several other mental disorders.

Learn more: How Old is Acupuncture? Challenging the Neolithic Origins Theory

Top 10 frequently asked questions for  Does Acupuncture Really Work? 

1. Does it actually work?

Very few rigorous or reliable studies have looked at the benefits of acupuncture. Many studies have returned unclear and often contradictory results.

Still, several large studies have found promising results for the use of acupuncture. Although the overall research is slim, there may be reason to believe acupuncture may provide some relief for various ailments.

Read more: Acupuncture and Pregnancy: Scientific evidence - Benefits - Ebook- Tools

2. Does Western medicine support this?

Many Western healthcare providers question the efficacy of acupuncture. It’s not exactly a verifiable and science-based treatment. However, research does show that the needles from acupuncture treatments release endorphins in your body.

"Endorphins are your body’s natural painkillers. An increase in these hormones could provide a natural boost to your body and brain."

This boost could bring about relief from symptoms of many conditions, including pain, depression, and headache.

3. Does that mean it’s just a placebo effect?

If you receive a nondrug or control treatment — like a sugar pill in place of a pain reliever — and report symptom relief, researchers consider it a “placebo effect.”

There aren’t enough well-designed studies to rule out or confirm that improvements after acupuncture aren’t just a placebo effect or occur simply because you expect them to.

And unlike a placebo pill or medicine, a placebo acupuncture treatment still requires a patient to be seen and touched by a practitioner. This hands-on connection can make some people, especially people dealing with depression, feel significantly better, regardless of the needle work.

4. Are there any side effects or risks?

Acupuncture is safe for most people. It rarely causes any serious side effects. Even mild side effects are unusual.

When side effects do occur, they include:

• itching at the area of treatment
• allergic reaction to needles
• soreness
• bleeding from needle point
• bruising around needle point
• muscle twitching
• tiredness
• drowsiness

There have been cases in which acupuncture led to a spinal injury, infection, and respiratory or cardiac problems. The biggest risk related to acupuncture is believed to come from improper technique. This is why you should only use practitioners who are trained and certified.

5. How does acupuncture work according to TCM?

In TCM, your “qi” is the flow of energy through your body. Qi streams through your body on energy channels known as meridians.

It’s believed that if your energy becomes blocked or stopped up, it may result in illness. This could present with physical symptoms, such as an aching back, or emotional symptoms, such as stress and anxiety.

Acupuncture is believed to help remove blockages and restore energy flow, balancing your organs, mind, and body.

6. Does acupuncture relieve depression itself or just associated symptoms?

Acupuncture may help ease depression symptoms, as well as treat the underlying condition, although more research is needed to confirm.

In one 2013 study, researchers found that electroacupuncture, a type of acupuncture that uses a mild electric current transmitted through the needles, was just as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac) in easing depression symptoms.

In another study, researchers examined the effect of acupuncture on sexual dysfunction, one of the most common antidepressant side effects. Both men and women in this study showed significant improvement after 12 weeks of acupuncture treatment.

7. What points are targeted when using acupuncture to treat depression and why?

Each practitioner may select different acupoints. Each point corresponds to a part of the meridian or qi that’s being targeted for relief. These acupoints are all over your body, from your head and neck to your legs and feet.

The following acupoints are commonly targeted in an effort to ease depression symptoms:

• Guanyuan (CV4)
• Qihai (CV6)
• Zhongwan (CV12)
• Hegu (L14)
• Master of Heart 6 (MH6)
• Yanglingquan (GB34)
• Zusanli (ST36)
• Taixi (K13)
• Shugu (BL65)
• Sanyingjiao (SP6)
• Quchi (LI11)
• Yinxi (HT6)

8. Can you use acupuncture as a solo treatment?

Although you could use acupuncture as a solo treatment, it’s considered more effective when used in combination with antidepressants and other clinical treatments.

In fact, some research suggests that acupuncture may even help clinical treatments work better and may be as effective as counseling when used as a part of a complementary care plan.

9. Where does it fit in a typical treatment plan?

Acupuncture studies use variable frequencies of treatment. They range from once a week to six days a week. No studies have compared how often treatments are given to discover what’s likely to produce the best response in people with depression.

Very frequent treatments may be difficult because of the time and money required. Work with your provider to find a pace that best meets your physical, emotional, and financial needs.

It’s very possible you’ll visit your acupuncturist frequently in the beginning. After you’ve been treated, you may reach a level where you don’t need regular visits. This is something you and the practitioner can work out together.

10. Is it covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for acupuncture depends on your plan and provider. In 2012, only 25 percent of people who used acupuncture had some measure of insurance coverage for the treatment.

Some large health insurance companies do cover acupuncture. However, they may not pay for every claim. Instead, they may limit coverage to those with specific conditions, such as chronic pain.

Medicare doesn’t cover acupuncture, but Medicaid does in some states.

If you have questions about what’s covered, call your health insurance company. They’ll be able to provide you with coverage information.

Discuss with Top 10 Questions for Acupuncture 

I will update the link or comment for the Top 10 interesting questions about Acupuncture.

Currently I will leave questions and have no answers, we can discuss them under the comment section. Please leave a comment to help me. Thank you!

1. Is acupressure effective for high blood pressure problem?

2. Does acupuncture help with pain management?

3. Is an acupuncture pen helpful?

4. What is electro-acupuncture?

5. Is acupressure generally as effective as acupuncture?

6. Are there many types of Acupuncture, and which is effective?

7. What is the best treatment for migraine headaches?

8. Do acupressure points really work?

9. Can acupuncture go wrong?

10. Can acupuncture completely heal a herniated/bulged disc?