What is Depression?

Depression has become a prevalent symptom. Even those dealing with depression often find themselves pushing through their days, setting aside their emotions to tackle the tasks at work and home. Depression is considered a medical condition that affects how you think, feel, and handle daily activities. People with depression often find it challenging to shake off these feelings, and it can persist for a long time. The good news is that help and support are available, and many people with depression can feel better with the right treatment.

What causes Depression?

• Life Events: Loss, stress, or major changes in life can contribute to the development of depression.
• Family History: If someone in your family experienced depression, you might be more likely to go through it too.
• Chemical Imbalances: Changes in the brain's chemical messengers can play a role in depression.

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What are the common symptoms of Depression?

• Persistent Sadness: Feeling persistently sad or irritable
• Loss of Interest: Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Sleep Issues: Trouble sleeping or changes in sleep patterns
• Appetite Changes: Significant changes in appetite, either eating more or less
• Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time
• Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks or making decisions
• Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, or other physical discomfort

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How Acupuncture can help manage Depression?

• ‍Improving brain activity, increasing connectivity between certain brain regions: Studies show that acupuncture treatments increase connectivity between certain brain regions, particularly those involved in emotions and mood regulation. This enhanced connectivity is associated with clinical improvements in depressive symptoms. Acupuncture may work by stimulating biochemical pathways and restoring neuronal structures, impacting neurotransmitters like serotonin [1].
• Anti-inflammatory effect: The production of inflammatory substances can contribute to the development of depressive symptoms. Inflammation can disrupt neurotransmitter balance, which is crucial for mood regulation. Studies show that acupuncture could be a non-pharmacological treatment for depression, influencing the nervous system to counteract inflammatory responses [1]. Additionally, acupuncture may increase the release of endorphins, which have anti-inflammatory effects and could directly improve depressive symptoms [1].
• Improving gut health: Gut health also plays a role in depression. Poor gut microbe composition contributes to development of depressive symptoms. Acupuncture can improve the gut microbe composition, restoring stability and improving gastrointestinal function [1].

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Evidence-Based Medicine for Depression:

A meta-analysis of clinical trials has highlighted the positive impact of acupuncture in reducing the severity of depression. This study incorporated29 clinical trials with a total of 2268 participants. The acupuncture group exhibited clinically significant reductions in depression severity when compared to the sham acupuncture (placebo therapy) group [2]. Moreover, the group receiving acupuncture as an adjunct to antidepressant medication also demonstrated notable decreases in depression severity in comparison to the group solely on antidepressant medication [2]. These findings suggest that acupuncture could be considered as a viable alternative or adjunct therapy to standard antidepressant medication.

References:

[1] Yang, N. N., Lin, L. L., Li, Y. J., Li, H. P., Cao, Y., Tan, C. X., Hao, X. W., Ma, S. M., Wang, L., & Liu, C. Z. (2022). Potential Mechanisms and Clinical Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Depression. Current neuropharmacology, 20(4), 738–750. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X19666210609162809

[2] Armour, M., Smith, C. A., Wang, L. Q., Naidoo, D., Yang, G. Y., MacPherson, H., Lee, M. S., & Hay, P. (2019). Acupuncture for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of clinical medicine, 8(8), 1140. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8081140

Disclaimer:

This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Whenever possible, it is advised to seek professional care from a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical treatment.