How to Treat Depression Holistically

Are you suffering from depression and tired of dealing with the side effects of medications? It might be time to try alternative treatments like acupuncture. 

Mental health conditions are unique, and there is no one size fits all medication. For the longest time, depression has been treated with medication, talk therapy, or a combination of both. However, with the increase in depression cases and the side effects of the medications, patients have been looking for alternative treatment options, including acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves the insertion of needles in specific points to unblock the energy channels. 

How Acupuncture Works to Treat Depression

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, blocked energy points that are found along meridians result in disease and illness. We believe the mind and body work together so that what you feel in your body affects your emotions. That said, our acupuncturists will insert the very small, fine needles into parts of your body linked to negative emotions. Removing the blockages helps the flow of energy through the body and even helps with the production of serotonin, therefore, improving your symptoms of depression. For the best results, talk with your acupuncturist about the frequency of treatments and additional holistic treatment options.

Benefits of Using Acupuncture as a Treatment for Depression

Treats Depression Naturally

One of the main reasons’  that patients with depression are looking for alternative treatments is the side effects of antidepressants. For many patients, the side effects often outweigh the benefits of the medication and can lead to more symptoms or need for additional pharmaceuticals. While acupuncture may not heal depression on its own, incorporating it into your healthcare plan will help you gain understanding as to the holistic health practices that can help you achieve a balanced, healthy life.

Through the use of acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbology, supplementation, meditation and more, we have helped patients achieve true health and balance emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Safely used for Pregnant Women

Acupuncture is safe and effective for pregnant women. It does not only help with anxiety and depression but helps reduce heartburn, fatigue, and nausea during the first trimester. It can also be helpful to prepare the body for labor in the third trimester. If you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, let your acupuncture physician know so they can provide you with safe, balanced care.

Very Few (if any) Side Effects

Acupuncture is safe for men, women, and children. The most common side effects include itching, redness, soreness, or mild bruising at the insertion site. The secret to safe acupuncture is getting treatment from a board-certified acupuncture physician who has extensive training and certification.

It Helps to Release Endorphins

The process of inserting needles into the body leads to the release of endorphins, a hormone that plays an important role in the body. Endorphins give the body a positive feeling and help relieve stress and anxiety, which often go hand in hand with depression. This is the same feeling you will get after a workout, a run, or after taking opioids. Endorphins have many benefits, but they help promote an overall sense of wellbeing. It’s an added bonus that they work with active receptors and help you manage a wide variety of ailments, from pain and insomnia to addiction and depression. 

It Is Good For Overall Body Well-Being

Acupuncture does not deal with the symptoms of depression alone but works towards holistic wellbeing. By stimulating different body systems, you will end up achieving pain relief, better sleep, enhanced digestive systems, and a boost in your overall health. Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy for your mental health. However, to enjoy the benefits discussed above and many more, you must work with a certified and knowledgeable acupuncture physician. Do not decide to stop other forms of medication because you are going for acupuncture. For effectiveness, you may be asked to combine acupuncture with other alternative depression treatments to help treat the root of the illness.

For more information, please contact us here at the White Crane Clinic.