Acupuncture for treating serious depression?

5 Comments

1. tcullnane260 says:

   October 4, 2009 at 6:01 pm

   I don’t think it will relieve depression, but it will leave you feeling great from what I heard.
2. Emily S says:

   October 4, 2009 at 6:43 pm

   im 13 and i tried acupuncture and no it doesn’t hurt people say it hurts but to me doesn’t hurt .
3. Biggy says:

   October 4, 2009 at 6:49 pm

   Acupuncture doesn’t cure depression. Its benefits have not been tested. Be careful of which acupuncturist you go to. Ensure that they’re properly trained.

   Make sure each needle they use is brand new, and discarded after use. Potential symptoms from poorly-trained acupuncturists include lung damage, popped blood vessels, nerve damage, fainting, and hepatitis B. Many acupuncturists have no medical knowledge or training, and may be unable to recognize these effects.

   The herbs used are totally unregulated, and vary among practitioners. That makes it difficult to test their effects.

   Acupuncture also adheres to fanciful principles of physiology and medicine that widely contradict those of science. Things such as neutralizing “toxins” and healing “imbalances” are terms used by homeopathic practitioners, as well as commercial frauds.

   Its effects, however, are purely psychological. People are often “cured” because they had a minor ailment that resolved itself. Or they think it works because they expected it to, the power of suggestion, or conditioning.

   Scientific research over the last two decades have shown no improvement of any physical or mental ailment with acupuncture.

   All “evidence” of its effectiveness are purely anecdotal. Personal accounts are largely unreliable without repeated scientific tests.

   I myself have undergone acupuncture treatment, and came away with dozens of small pinprick pains and irritation. People I know have experienced the same side-effects. It did not resolve my ailment. At least the practitioner was using sterilized needles.

   I would recommend seeing a doctor. Consultation with a psychologist and hormone replacement treatment is proven and much more effective.
4. Brooke says:

   October 4, 2009 at 7:17 pm

   I don’t know if it helps with depression, but as someone who had depression I would say give it a try. I’ve heard it doesn’t hurt. and if it doesn’t work all you’re out is a little bit of money. Keep searching until you find what works for you.
5. Julia B says:

   October 4, 2009 at 8:11 pm

   Yes, acupuncture can treat and reverse serious depression. Acupuncturists in almost every state of the US have to be nationally certified and licensed by the state they practice in. The training required for national certification is a minimum of 6 years of college; 4 in Oriental medical school. The practice is considered safe, legal, and patients rarely ever suffer side effects. Needles are sterile, disposable, and never used for more than one insertion if you are using a licensed acupuncturist. Hair fine needles are used and typically do not cause discomfort.