Acupuncture in Anxiety and Depression
July 25, 2008

Over two thousand years ago acupuncture started in China. It was until the 1970s that is joined yoga, medication and diets in the alternative treatment arena. When it first became available it was limited because there weren't many people who practiced it. However, today it is estimated that there are at least twenty thousand certified acupuncturists in the United States and a third of these are also medical doctors. About nine to twelve million individuals go to acupuncturists every year.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a medical treatment that uses points on the body to help stimulate the central nervous system. This stimulation helps to release chemicals within the body to the muscles, spinal cord and brain that help the body to heal itself naturally.

The National Institute of Health has determined that acupuncture is effective against the treatment of nausea after eight surgery or chemotherapy, addictions, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and asthma.

In 1996 the FDA finally gave their approval to the use of acupuncture needle by licensed medical practitioners. The needles used in the procedures are either new or sterilized. There have been very few complications reported to the FDA, however if proper treatment is not used or the needles are not properly sterilized then complications can result. In addition, the needles are so thin in acupuncture treatments that they do not cause the same amount of pain you normally get with hypodermic needles.

Acupuncture for Depression

In 1998 the National Institute of Health conducted a study at the University of Arizona. For sixteen weeks during this study they looked at the effects of acupuncture on thirty-four patients that were classified as being seriously depressed. There were three groups during this study. The first received depression targeted treatment, the second received false treatment with needles in nonspecific area and the third was placed on a waiting list before they started treatment for eight weeks.

Those that received depression targeted treatment has a 43% decrease in their depression symptoms while there was a 22% reduction in those that received treatment in nonspecific areas. Over half of the test patients no longer qualified for depression diagnosis. In addition, the dropout rate for the patients was less than tests involving medication. Only five dropped out of the test.

Two of the largest advantages listed with acupuncture for the treatment of depression include the lack of a language barrier which is important for those patients diagnosed with depression who don't speak English and the low cost of the treatment when compared to the more conventional means.

Acupuncture for Anxiety

A study was conducted in with 79 individuals who were diagnosed with anxiety were treated with acupuncture. They were divided into two categories with 65 classified as having anxiety with pain and fourteen with just anxiety or painless related illnesses. Almost all of the individuals involved in the test noticed some form of improvement in their symptoms.

Considering Acupuncture for Yourself

If you are interested in trying acupuncture yourself one of the best referrals you can get is from your own doctor. However, if you prefer to search on your own then you can go online to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture and get a list of all the certified practitioners in your area. Seventy to eighty percent of all medical insurers also cover acupuncture. A typical acupuncture treatment will cost you between thirty and hundred dollars. However, no matter what continue to take any medications your doctor may have prescribed and do not discontinue use until you have talked it over with your doctor first.

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