Do you sometimes feel tired of everything and feel very sad and lonely? We call this condition depression. This is not just ordinary sadness, but a medical condition that requires treatment. Although there are usually treatments for this, such as medication and counseling, which doctors recommend, some people do not get complete relief from them. So, at such times, many people think about alternative treatments. One such alternative treatment is acupuncture. Let's talk about this in more depth today.
What is acupuncture?
Simply put, acupuncture is a thousands-year-old traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting tiny steel needles, about the size of a human hair , into specific points on your body. The acupuncture points vary depending on your medical condition.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, a flow of energy called 'qi' flows throughout our bodies. This flow of energy regulates our health. They believe that if this flow of energy is blocked or out of balance for some reason, we develop diseases. So, in this acupuncture, needles are inserted into specific energy pathways called 'meridians' and the blocked flow of energy is restored. This is believed to restore balance in the body and cure diseases.
The table below lists some other situations in which acupuncture is commonly used.
| Medical condition/problem | Description |
|---|---|
| Arthritis | Joint swelling and pain. |
| Pain during menstruation | Abdominal pain during menstruation. |
| Chronic pain | Long-term pain such as back pain and knee pain. |
| Migraines and headaches | Frequent headaches. |
| Sports injuries | Injuries such as muscle strains that occur during sports. |
What exactly is depression?
Depression, or as we medically call it, 'Major Depressive Disorder,' is not just a feeling of sadness. It is a condition characterized by a long-term feeling of intense sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure in things that you used to enjoy. It can be accompanied by a number of other symptoms.
- Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much.
- Extreme fatigue and lack of energy.
- Feelings of despair about life or thoughts of suicide .
- Changes in appetite (sudden decrease or increase) and weight changes.
- Getting angry quickly and being agitated over small things.
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things.
- Feeling worthless or having unnecessary feelings of guilt.
The most important thing is to understand that this is not a weakness, but a disease that needs to be treated.
Usually, a doctor uses medication or talk therapy, or both. However, some people do not get complete relief from these treatments. Also, some people may experience recurring depression even after receiving treatment. In such cases, some people turn to alternative methods like acupuncture.
How does acupuncture affect depression?
To be honest, there hasn't been much scientific research on the effectiveness of acupuncture for depression, so it's hard to gauge its exact benefits. However, an analysis of the few studies that have been done so far suggests that it may have some potential to reduce symptoms of depression .
Relief from depression during pregnancy
Depression during pregnancy is something that many people experience. This condition can be caused by hormonal changes and changes in the body. However, some mothers are afraid to take medication during this time, because they are afraid that it will affect the baby. So acupuncture can be a good option for such people.
In one study, a group of pregnant women with depression were given acupuncture specifically for depression for 8 weeks. Another group was given regular acupuncture, and a third group was given massage. According to the results, the women who received acupuncture specifically for depression had significantly fewer depressive symptoms than the other two groups .
Side effects and risks of acupuncture
As with any treatment, acupuncture can have some side effects and risks. However, these risks are very low if you receive treatment from a qualified practitioner.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Common side effects | Slight bruising, slight bleeding, or pain where the needles were inserted. These usually go away in a day or two. |
| Rare side effects | Headaches, nerve damage, skin infections, increased pain, and internal bleeding can occur very rarely. |
Those who need special care
If you have certain medical conditions, you are at higher risk of complications from acupuncture.
- If you have bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinners , you are more likely to bruise and bleed.
- If you have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, you should not do electroacupuncture, a type of acupuncture that uses electrical stimulation. It may interfere with the functioning of your device.
- If you are pregnant, there is a belief that some acupuncture treatments can hasten labor. Therefore, you should be very careful if you receive acupuncture during pregnancy.
The most important thing is to definitely talk to your family doctor and get his approval before you start any alternative treatment like this.
How to choose a good professional?
Although the risks of acupuncture are low, it is very important for your safety to only seek treatment from a properly trained, qualified, and certified practitioner .
When choosing a good professional, keep these things in mind:
- Make sure they open a fresh, sterile packet of needles in front of you for your treatment.
- Make sure to clean the areas with alcohol before inserting the needles.
- Many people now use disposable, single-use needles, which greatly reduces the risk of infection.
- If you are having trouble finding someone you trust, you can ask your doctor for a recommendation. It is also wise to check if the practitioner is registered with a recognized medical council in Sri Lanka.
Take-Home Message
- Acupuncture is an alternative treatment for depression, but it is not a substitute for the main treatments (medication, counseling) recommended by a doctor.
- This can be especially helpful for those who do not respond well to standard treatments or who suffer from depression during pregnancy.
- Although side effects are usually minor, there are some risks, so be open about your health condition with your healthcare professional.
- Always choose a professional who is well-trained, qualified, and uses sterilized equipment.
- Very important: Before starting acupuncture or any other alternative treatment, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
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