How to Treat Depression… Naturally
Depression is a debilitating condition that affects many people. If you wonder how to treat depression naturally, you may have stumbled onto an ideal solution: treating depression with acupuncture and TCM.
Acupuncture for Depression vs Depression Medication
The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that acupuncture compares favourably with depression medication and drugs, with the added benefit that acupuncture has no side effects. Acupuncture is effective and cost efficient. Click here for more information from the WHO.
Going from Drugs to a Natural Treatment
If you are already taking drugs to treat depression, you shouldn’t stop suddenly. We recommend that you consult with your family doctor and our clinic to have a proper Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis done by Dr. Lu. She will then start a personalized acupuncture treatment, which may be combined with herbal therapy. She will then follow your progress through regular consultations.
Patients often notice improvement after just one session. Some depressed patients notice a significant improvement in their sleep patterns immediately after receiving their first acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture and Depression
Acupuncture can be used to treat many different types of depression:
- Depressive neurosis
- Depression following a stroke
- Post-partum depression
- Manic depression
- Bipolar depression
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), etc.
It is also very effective in treating or preventing other psychological or mental conditions such as dementia, schizophrenia, stress, panic attacks, fatigue, addictions, phobias, insomnia, etc.
How is Traditional Chinese Medicine Related to Depression?
Ingrained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complex and immaterial concept called Wushen or Five Spirits. According to Taoist beliefs, these five spirits reside in our Organs (not our real organs) during our life and return to the divine realm when we pass away and they are closely related to our emotions.
These spirits represent the most ephemeral vibration of our vital energy, Qi, and they are the energetic expression of our neurological and psychic processes. They are also related to the five elements used in Feng Shui and in various other Chinese systems (fire, wood, earth, metal and water).
When these Five Elements or Five Spirits are disturbed, misaligned or unbalanced, physical, emotional, psychological and/or psychosomatic problems can occur. Depression is one of the possible conditions resulting from such an imbalance or disturbance. By rebalancing your mind, body and spirit through acupuncture and TCM, you can once again enjoy life to the fullest. Learn more about TCM and acupuncture here.
If you require additional information or clarification, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Lu who will be pleased to discuss how acupuncture and TCM can be used to treat depression.