People face too much pressure from all sides in the modern society and there is a lack of opportunity to release such pressure. That is why many people are suffering from depression. Through many years of clinical observations, Bethune Oriental Medical Center has reached a conclusion that acupuncture can be a major alternative to the antidepressants that are currently widely used. A course of Acupuncture treatment for a few dozens of minutes each time together with the use of traditional Chinese medicine or other therapies can effectively control the depression.
One of the causes of depression is physical disorder, such as stroke, diabetes, etc. Illness, bedridden life or diet taboos may lead to depression. Other types of causes of depression include pressure at work, in life, during school learning process, or with some intense stimulation, such as death of a loved one, a real bad day at work, etc.
Treatment of depression with acupuncture has the following a number of characteristics: the first is that it is free of side effects. Antidepressant drugs in general have a lot of side effects, acupuncture can relieve patients from worries in this regard. Secondly, the cost is inexpensive and is affordable for the patients in general. Thirdly, the communication with the doctor in the course of treatment, combined with the soothing music, makes the patient feel more relaxed. Doctor's help and encouragement is very helpful in the course of treatment.
According to the theory of the Tradition Chinese Medicine, depression is closely related to the dysfunction of the liver, spleen and kidney. Therefore, it is of the first and foremost importance to determine the situation of these organs to the patients before determining the treatment plan. Based on years of experience in the treatment of depression, Bethune Oriental Medical Center has identified two groups of acupuncture points for the effective treatment of depression. The first group of points are the five Zang Yu’s (Xin Yu, Fei Yu, Pi Yu, Gan Yu and Sheng Yu) and Ge Yu. The reason for the choice of this set of points is that depression affects the heart, the liver, the spleen, the lungs and the kidneys, because depression is mostly caused by stagnation of qi and blood circulation due to emotional setback. Ge Yu is the point for blood circulation and has the role of promoting blood circulation and remove blood stasis. Therefore, the selection of the five Zang Yu will smooth the nerves, support the kidneys, strengthen the spleen, soothing liver and promote the Qi movement so that the five organs can function in harmony. The second group of points are Shenting, Baihui, Anmian, Shenmen and Sanyinjiao. In the course of the treatment, the two groups of points can be used interchangeably so that the patient can reach a status of clear mind and peaceful emotion. If the patient also has other symptoms, other appropriate treatment methods can also be applied in addition.
All the patients with depression want early relief of the symptoms, improve their sleep resume their energy. Simple treatment with western medicine often fails to meet these requirements. The effect is not ideal. Acupuncture treatment has shown its specific advantage in that it can release the symptoms quickly without side effects. This is why acupuncture treatment has gradually been accepted by patients. Clinical research shows that using acupuncture together with Chinese medicine and other therapies can significantly improved the results of treatment.