Each tiny needle works to stimulate a specific area of the body. Thus, working to revitalize energy flow, which is believed to be the reason behind the benefits acupuncture provides. Acupuncture can benefit individuals living with high levels of stress and anxiety disorders. The stress-relieving elements of acupuncture help to also improve emotional regulation, overall mood, and boost overall feelings of wellbeing. Essentially, acupuncture helps by relieving built-up stress that has accumulated over time.
Acupuncture works by restoring energy flow that, when not able to flow freely, can cause symptoms of stress and anxiety. Individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety or stress disorders of various kinds can benefit from acupuncture.
A growing number of people are seeking alternatives to antidepressant medications, and new research suggests that acupuncture could be a promising option. One new study found the traditional Chinese practice to be as effective as antidepressants, and a different study found that acupuncture may help treat the medications' side effects. In acupuncture, a practitioner inserts needles into the skin at points of the body thought to correspond with specific organs right.
Western research suggests the needles may activate natural painkillers in the brain; in traditional Chinese medicine, the process is believed to improve functioning by correcting energy blocks or imbalances in the organs. A study published last fall in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that electroacupuncture—in which a mild electric current is transmitted through the needles—was just as effective as fluoxetine the generic name of Prozac in reducing symptoms of depression.
For six weeks, patients underwent either electroacupuncture five times weekly or a standard daily dose of fluoxetine. The researchers, the majority of whom specialize in traditional Chinese medicine, assessed participants' symptoms every two weeks and tracked their levels of glial cell line—derived neurotrophic factor GDNF , a neuroprotective protein.
Previous studies have found lower amounts of GDNF among patients with major depressive disorder, and in other research levels of the protein rose after treatment with antidepressant medication. After six weeks, both groups showed a similar improvement in symptoms, and both treatments restored GDNF to a normal concentration.
But the acupuncture began to work faster, reducing symptoms more dramatically at weeks two and four than the drug did. Another study suggests that acupuncture may help with one particularly difficult aspect of depression treatment: the sexual side effects of some medications. Given the unique way that acupuncture heals the mind through its actions on the body, it is a great treatment to combine with other more standard therapies such as relational therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy CBT.
Integrating these therapies—which focus on resolving the conflicts that stem from the mind—with the positive bodily effects of acupuncture can encompass a comprehensive treatment plan that allows individuals to connect with the root causes of depression and empower them to resolve these original wounds.
If you struggle with depression, the feelings of emptiness and apathy that dominate your experience can make it difficult to see any hope or benefit in the things around you—even treatment. Despite the darkness that seems to surround you now, just know that with the right treatment, you can restore the balance in both your mind and body and begin to find joy in the world again.
Bridges to Recovery offers acupuncture in combination with other comprehensive forms of treatment for those suffering from major depressive disorder, as well as other co-occurring mental health disorders, substance abuse, and process addictions. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive and customized treatment programs that can help you or your loved one restore balance in the body and the mind.
Treatment Specialties. View Our Facilities. Meet Our Experts. We are here to listen compassionately. Our free, confidential telephone consultation will help you find the best treatment program for you. We can also guide you in approaching a loved one who needs treatment. Skip to content Admissions Search for:. Quick Links What Is Acupuncture?
In one 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. 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.
Acupuncture studies use variable frequencies of treatment. They range from once a week to six days a week. 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. This is something you and the practitioner can work out together. Insurance coverage for acupuncture depends on your plan and provider. In , 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.
These professionals are trained to provide the best care in the cleanest and safest environment. Ask people you trust for a recommendation. Your doctor, chiropractor, or massage therapist may be able to direct you to a trusted option.
When you find a practitioner, check their training and credentials. Research shows you can prevent, halt, and even reverse type 2 diabetes with proper diet and lifestyle. Fresh foods and nutritional supplements are key. Dry needling is a modern treatment designed to ease muscular pain. Acupuncture has been used for a number of conditions for thousands of years.
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