Treating Depression with Acupuncture and Herbs

Approximately 40 million Americans suffer from chronic anxiety or depression, and 10–15% of women experience postpartum depression.

Oftentimes, many people don’t seek help for fear of shame or judgment and are left untreated. Of those seeking help—approximately one out of eight adults—many are currently taking antidepressant medications. While these medications offer support, there are also many who do not respond well to medications. This can be due to a number of factors, including:

• Numerous side effects that outweigh the benefits of the medication

• A developed tolerance to the medication that reduces the benefits

• Increased sensitivity to the concentration of the medications

• Beliefs that depression is not due to a biochemical imbalance

We have worked with a number of patients who were convinced they were out of options after finding medications and/or talk therapy ineffective for their needs. As a last resort, many of these people try acupuncture. After working with many patients who suffer from chronic depression, we firmly believe that a combination of Chinese medicine, attention to nutrition, high-quality supplements and probiotics, meditation, and yoga can offer incredible support in addressing the root causes of this epidemic. This is an all-natural approach that is much more comprehensive, less invasive to the brain than medications, and addresses the underlying causes of depression. This approach accounts for biochemical, energetic, and nutritional factors.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. The purpose of acupuncture is to treat the energetic level of the human body and mind. Most people are pleasantly surprised to find that acupuncture is a profoundly relaxing experience that creates restorative balance in the central nervous system. Most people feel relaxed, sleepy, lighter, and sometimes invigorated after a treatment. These effects continue for a few hours afterward and become longer-lasting with repetitive treatments.

How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works to balance the flow of Qi, or as it is called, the life force, in the body. Depression and anxiety arise from a blockage of this Qi, and acupuncture works to restore its flow. Other symptoms may accompany depression, such as low back pain, insomnia, irritability, and heart palpitations.

Chinese Herbs

There are a number of Chinese herbal formulas that can work wonders for depression. In our practice, we have seen better results when patients use acupuncture in conjunction with Chinese herbs. In addition to Chinese herbs, some Western herbs can also be helpful.

Here is a brief list of herbs available at local health food stores:

• St. John's Wort

• Siberian Ginseng

• Ginkgo Biloba

• Rhodiola Rosea

Nutrition

One of the most important components in treating depression is nutrition. 95% of serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for mood, sleep, and inhibiting pain, is produced in the gastrointestinal tract. If there is not enough good bacteria in the GI tract, it is nearly impossible to create serotonin. It is also extremely important to maintain stable blood sugar throughout the day. Many anxiety and depression patients suffer from hypoglycemia, often without realizing it.

Often, patients start their day with refined carbohydrates, sugar, or coffee, only to experience a “crash” around 2–4 PM. To avoid this and keep blood sugar stable:

• Start the day with a high-protein meal such as eggs, turkey bacon, or a smoothie with hemp or other protein powder and a healthy fat like almond butter or avocado.

• Eat a low-glycemic snack every 2–3 hours, such as apples with almond butter or hard-boiled eggs.

• Eliminate coffee and other forms of caffeine.

• Consider an elimination diet to identify food allergies that may cause intestinal issues, systemic inflammation, or worsen depression symptoms. Common allergens to test for include wheat, gluten, dairy, and refined sugars.

Helpful nutritional supplements for depression include:

• 5-HTP

• Fish oil

• B vitamin complex

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation have been instrumental for many of our patients, serving as the most powerful tools in coping with depression. With regular practice, people often feel much more control over depression, preventing it from running their lives. These practices are gateways to resetting and restoring the nervous system.