Depression Treatment
Acupuncture is gradually becoming the most effective alternative treatment for a number of medical conditions. Until recently, it was used only for treating inflammation and other sorts of pain. But now it is quite favored to treat depression as well. Acupuncture has become quite a successful alternative to antidepressant medication.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the skin on the different pressure points and near different organs in the body. Researchers and experts believe that these needles trigger the production of natural painkillers in the brain. These painkillers then correct the various imbalances in the body.
How does it treat depression?
The Electro acupuncture treatment is used to treat depression. In electro acupuncture, gentle electric current is passed on through the needles. According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, electro acupuncture is as effective as fluoxetine (commonly known as Prozac). It, too, reduces the symptoms of depression.
The study
Researchers signed up patients for this trial and divided them into two groups. The trial lasted for 6 weeks. One group was administered electro acupuncture five times a week and the other group was given a stipulated dose of fluoxetine or Prozac on a regular basis. The symptoms of the patients were monitored regularly and they were assessed every 2 weeks.
The level of glial cell line in each participating patient was recorded. The glial cell line is a combination of the derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and a neuroprotective protein. Patients with extreme depression have low amounts of GDNF. The level of neuroprotective protein generally increases after the patients are given antidepressant medication.
The result
At the end of 6 weeks, both groups of patients showed similar signs of improvement. It restored their GDNF to the normal level. It was also found that the patients who were administered electro acupuncture showed signs of improvement much earlier than the other group. Signs of improvement were seen in weeks 2 and 4.
It was also found that acupuncture can treat other aspects and side effects of depression. Antidepressant medicines almost always affect the sexual functioning of men and women. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a report supporting this belief. After being treated with acupuncture for 12 weeks, both men and women regained various aspects of their sexual functioning.
A number of studies and trials are all indicating that the traditional Chinese practice of acupuncture is surely becoming a successful alternative to a lot of medications and treatments. It treats anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and nausea among other things. Acupuncture can end up completely replacing different medications and ease their consequent side effects.
So what are you waiting for? Depression is quite a common occurrence these days. If you are aware of anyone in your family or anyone in Columbus, or any other part of Ohio, who would benefit from this kind of a treatment, do pass the message on. Or for yourself, you can talk to an acupuncture specialist today.
Contact Us For More Information
For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488 | Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.