Depression is a mental health illness that usually results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors although it can be triggered by stressful events. This condition can affect people of all genders (although women are twice as likely as men to suffer depression), ages, and backgrounds.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR DEPRESSION
There is scientific evidence that acupuncture for depression is at least as effective as existing conventional antidepressant drugs but with the added benefit of no side effects. In case of depression in pregnancy and post-stroke depression, acupuncture is particularly beneficial.
By stimulating the nervous system acupuncture releases neurochemical messenger molecules which will trigger biochemical changes. These changes will influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms (mechanisms generated by the body to maintain inner balance) which will promote physical and emotional harmony.
Acupuncture for depression can be safely prescribed together with conventional medical treatments such as anti-depressants since it helps to reduce their side effects and to enhance their benefits.
Finally Chinese herbal medicine can also be recommended by the practitioner since through their combination of multiple biologically active components they can address this pathogenesis.
See what the British Acupuncture Council says about treating depression with acupuncture.
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