Depression was once considered a mental disorder, but today every other person is suffering from depression and anxiety. This has now become a serious public health issue. With an increasing suicide rate and low-esteem, especially in women and youngsters, hundreds of researches have been presented. One of the recent researches has shown that acupuncture can be an effective non-medication technique to cure depression. The question about its effective and whether it is only a placebo effect or not still needs to be answered. However, people are relying on this technique to get rid of their depression on a large-scale. Before you reach out for acupuncture clinics near me, make sure you are aware of all the details given in this article

How Does Acupuncture Work?

QI is a force that is described in Chinese medicine to heal your body by regulating all the functions to their balanced form. Acupuncture is also a part of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). The QI force moves in the body just like blood flows. The pathway that this force creates within your body is called meridians.

Needles Usage in Acupuncture

When you go to an acupuncture clinic, needles are inserting in specific points to restore the balance of your blood circulation and relieve pains and stress. The needles are inserted in your body almost half a millimetre deep that stimulates your brain cells to produce painkilling chemicals. Similar to pain, your brain can also produce stress-releasing chemicals, which is why acupuncture is gaining so much popularity in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

Acupuncture and Depression

If we take a deeper look in the Chinese lifestyle and their treatments, they seek the most naturalist approach in both domains. According to the stakeholders of this 5000 old traditional treatment believes that the main purpose of this treatment is to create balance and harmony. Our brain is a complex entity. When it loses the sync between the body and the world, we start feeling confused and depressed. Many people are switching to acupuncture treatment instead of medication because this technique has shown visible results.

Western Medical Do Not Believe in Acupuncture

Some western medical institutions do not believe in acupuncture and name it just as a placebo effect instead of a treatment. However, patients who have responded positively to this treatment are also living examples of its effects. There are specific points where needles are inserted for depression treatment. Your acupuncturist will ask what you feel and then insert the needles. For example, if you have unresolved grief the point for the needles will be on or near your lungs area. Similarly, needles on the liver will be inserted for anger management. For lack of energy and esteem, needles are usually placed on your lower legs and lower arms.

Side Effects

As much as you can be impressed by this amazing technique and its role in treating depression at large, you must be aware of the possible side effects. The following are some of the adverse effects you can face after an acupuncture session:

  • Bleeding
  • Soreness
  • Itching where the needles were inserted
  • Tiredness and drowsiness
  • Muscle twitching

These side effects are rare and happen only when the acupuncturist is not trained enough.