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As a Vancouver acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, I have worked with many clients suffering from conditions commonly treated by acupuncture, including: chronic pain, fertility issues, stress, etc. One condition that I’m asked about regularly is how acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help in the treatment of depression.

What is Depression Exactly?

Now, what are the symptoms of depression? Let’s quickly discuss this, before we go into Chinese medicine’s view of this condition. Depression is a mood disorder that results in state of “low” mood and is commonly characterized by an aversion to daily activity. The psychological and physical symptoms of depression can affect not only the thoughts and feelings of an individual, but also their physical well-being.

It is common for those suffering from depression to show a wide array of symptoms, including: insomnia, anxiety, trouble concentrating, aches and pains in the body, rapid weight gain or loss, poor memory, fatigue, digestive problems and in many cases a complete lack of interest in doing the things they used to enjoy doing. In extreme cases of depression, suicide may even be considered or attempted.

How is Depression Usually Treated?

Today, the most common treatments for depression are psychotherapy and anti-depressant drugs. Unfortunately, it is very common for anti-depressants to be prescribed regardless of the exact symptoms of the depressed individual.

So, What about Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to Treat Depression?

Alternatively, Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches the issue of depression from a distinctly different view point. TCM doesn’t lump all of these symptoms together and classify it as “depression” or as only one illness for that matter. We work to treat the specific symptoms possessed by each individual patient and do not believe there is a one-size-fits-all solution to this complicated disorder. Using a variety of TCM techniques, including: Chinese herbs, acupuncture and energetic exercises, we strive to correct imbalances throughout the body and treat the exact symptoms that a patient is experiencing.

The purpose of acupuncture is to stimulate the body’s energy flow, or Qi, and restore functionality. Though many consider acupuncture a preventative health care practice, studies have confirmed its effectiveness in treating pain and other chronic health related conditions.

Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, there have been numerous studies that suggest the treatment of depression with acupuncture is a viable option. Including acupuncture has been shown to have a positive and holistic effect, especially when combined with herbal treatments and psychotherapy.