One condition that I am asked about constantly is how acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help in treating depression.

What is Depression Exactly?

Now, what are the common symptoms of depression? Let’s quickly go over this, before we get into Chinese medicine’s view of this condition. Depression is a mood disorder that leads to state of “low” mood and is often characterized by an aversion to daily activity. The psychological and physical indications of depression can affect not just the thoughts and emotions of a person but also their physical state of wellbeing.

It is quite common for those afflicted with depression to show a wide range of symptoms, including: insomnia, anxiousness, trouble concentrating, aches and pains in the body, rapid weight gain or loss, poor memory, fatigue, digestion-related problems and in many cases a complete lack of interest in doing the things they used to enjoy doing. In severe cases of depression, suicide may be considered or attempted.

How is Depression Customarily Treated?

Today, the most common treatments for depression are psychotherapy and anti-depressant drugs. Sadly, it is common for drugs to be prescribed regardless of the precise symptoms of the depressed individual.

Ok, What about Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to Treat Depression?

Alternatively, Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches the issue of depression from a distinctly different view point. TCM doesn’t throw all of these symptoms together and classify it as “depression” or as only one condition for that matter. We work to treat the exact symptoms possessed by each individual patient and don’t believe that there’s a one-size-fits-all solution to this complicated disorder. Using a selection of TCM techniques, including: Chinese herbs, acupuncture and energetic exercises, we strive to fix imbalances throughout the body and treat the specific symptoms that a patient is experiencing.

The purpose of acupuncture is to stimulate the body’s energy flow, or Qi, and restore functionality. Though many consider acupuncture a preventative alternative health practice, studies have confirmed its effectiveness in treating discomfort and pain and other chronic health related conditions.

Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, there have been a large number studies that suggest the treatment of depression with acupuncture is an acceptable option. Including acupuncture has been shown to have a positive and holistic effect, particularly when mixed with herbal treatments and psychotherapy.



Rob Green is an acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine writer who writes regular content for BodaHealth a Vancouver acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic.