OBJECTIVE:
With the anti-depression effect with acupuncture and moxibustion based on the medication with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
A patient receiving acupuncture and electrostimulation for easing depression symptoms
METHODS:
Eighty cases of depression were randomly divided into an acupuncture-moxibustion-medication group (25 cases), an acupuncture-medication group (25 cases), and a medication group (30 cases). SSRIs medication was administered in all of the three groups. Complementarily, in the acupuncture-moxibustion-medication group, the needling technique of qi conduction in Governor Vessel was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Fengfu (GV 16), Dazhui (GV 14), etc. Additionally, mild moxibustion was added at Dazhui (GV 14) and Baihui (GV 20). In an acupuncture-medication group, acupuncture for qi conduction in Governor Vessel was only adopted. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) was used for the evaluation of the total score, the score of each factor before and after treatment separately, and the therapeutic effects were observed among 3 groups.
RESULTS:
Compared with the medication group, the scores of the factors as retardation, sleep, and anxiety/somatization, as well as the total score, were all apparently improved in the other two groups (P
CONCLUSION:
Either acupuncture or moxibustion has a definite anti-depression effect based on SSRIs medication, but the coordination of acupuncture and moxibustion achieves a superior efficacy as compared with simple acupuncture therapy.
Melancholy
Gloom, Melancholy, and a feeling of being down are all signs of depression. Acupuncture has been treating signs and symptoms of depression for over 3,000 years. Liver Qi stagnation is a common sign in traditional Chinese medicine that usually lends itself to the western symptoms of depression. Acupuncture treats this condition by regulating the flow of liver energy which tends to be stuck when someone has depression. ie. a sign of things not moving. By adding acupuncture and some specific chinese herbs one can experience a better feeling in relation to depression and have this energy lift off the body.
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