Acupuncture For Depression

Warning: Do not drink alcohol if you are taking anti-depressant medication, it may exaggerate the feelings of depression.

A little alcohol in general is actually healthy for you, but it is also toxic to the body especially combined with the effects of any anti-depressant medication. In Chinese medicine depression is attributed to the liver and heart, which can then cause issues in the lungs, kidneys and spleen. Since the liver is one of the main organs attributed to depression, taking a toxic medicinal substance (anti-depressant) plus alcohol gives the liver a lot of work to do, which over time can weaken it along with all the other organs in the body.

Some of the main symptoms of depression are:

• ·      Loss of interest and creativity
• ·      Insomnia and fatigue
• ·      Poor appetite for food and life
• ·      Excessive worry and weak will power
• ·      Agitation and anxiety
• ·      Perception Disorder

The above symptoms are the results of blocked energy flow, which can be linked to the organs listed above and their pathways through out the body. It is the liver and heart that are usually the first to be disturbed by depression. It Chinese medicine, the liver houses the Ethereal soul and the heart houses the mind. They work in conjunction with one another to fulfill ones purpose in life.

The Ethereal soul can be thought of as the part of you that is creative, full of ideas and dreams, it is the mind in the heart, which is more logical and allows those dreams to manifest into physical reality. When there is a disconnect between the two organs, depression becomes manifest and can cause a ripple affect of blockages and symptoms from other organs.

Here are the mental/emotional aspects of all the organs:

• ·      Kidneys and Bladder- Will power /fear
• ·      Spleen and Stomach- Clarity of mind/Pensiveness
• ·      Heart and Small Intestine- Joy/awareness
• ·      Liver and Gall Bladder- Self-assertion/decisiveness/ Anger
• ·      Lungs and Large Intestine- Inspiration/letting go/worry

With Acupuncture connecting the symptoms of the patient with their corresponding organ system makes a diagnosis. Then appropriate points are selected along the external pathways of the organs to remove blockages and relieve symptoms. This creates harmony and balance between the organs. Western research has also shown that acupuncture releases natural hormones from the brain that can help balance out the body’s serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which manage mental/emotional well-being.

The release of these hormones is a positive side effect from acupuncture no matter what the treatment is for. If you or any one you know suffers from depression, acupuncture can be a great alternative to drug therapy. It is also able to work in conjunction with pharmaceutical medications, helping reduce side effects and increasing the medications positive effectiveness.

Even if you don’t suffer from depression I urge you to look into acupuncture in your area and learn more about what it can do for you. I hope this has been an interesting read for you, please leave any comments or questions and I hope you have a wonder full day!