Anti-Depression Effect of Acupuncture
OBJECTIVE:
With the anti-depression effect of acupuncture and moxibustion, based on the medication with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
A patient receiving acupuncture and electrostimulation for easing depression symptoms
METHODS:
First, researchers split 80 depression cases into three groups: acupuncture-moxibustion-medication (25 cases), acupuncture-medication (25 cases), and medication (30 cases). Next, all groups received SSRIs medication. Additionally, the acupuncture-moxibustion-medication group used qi conduction needling at Baihui (GV 20), Fengfu (GV 16), and Dazhui (GV 14). Furthermore, mild moxibustion was applied at Dazhui and Baihui. Meanwhile, the acupuncture-medication group used only qi conduction needling. Then, researchers assessed HAMD scores for total and individual factors before and after treatment. Finally, they compared therapeutic effects across all three groups.
RESULTS:
First, researchers compared the acupuncture-moxibustion-medication and acupuncture-medication groups to the medication-only group. Specifically, both acupuncture groups significantly improved retardation, sleep, and anxiety/somatization scores. Additionally, their total HAMD scores showed notable improvement. Consequently, all differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION:
First, acupuncture and moxibustion effectively combat depression when combined with SSRIs, outperforming SSRIs alone. Moreover, combining acupuncture and moxibustion yields superior results compared to acupuncture alone. Specifically, acupuncture addresses melancholy, gloom, and low mood—key depression symptoms. For over 3,000 years, acupuncture has treated depression symptoms. In traditional Chinese medicine, depression often signals Liver Qi stagnation. Consequently, acupuncture regulates liver energy flow, which stagnates in depression. Additionally, specific Chinese herbs enhance the effects of acupuncture, lifting depressive energy. Thus, patients experience improved mood and reduced depression symptoms.
Resources:
– SOURCE: The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanjing University of CM, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22471133
