Acupuncture for Depression
into her ear, arm, and leg - always on the right side (except for a few needles in the other leg). One time he put the needles in similar areas on the left side. He would also point a heat lamp where he left needles in the leg. The needles prick, according to Karen, "just the littlest bit." Then she would remain on the table while Dr Chen left the room for 20 minutes. Finally, Dr Chen would take out the needles and rub some areas of the back and neck.
Karen thinks the first few visits were critical, but her follow-up visits were important, too.
In July, Karen switched to St John's wort before slowly reducing her Paxil in August (she is now down to 10 mg). According to Karen: "I believe both acupuncture and St John's wort have helped me. I think the acupuncture enabled the Saint John's wort to work more effectively. I like the idea of making the body work its best with acupuncture."
She goes on to say: "I have always had to take higher doses of any antidepressant in order to get the best results. Why not get my immune system working better so that I might not need such a high dose or, even better, take St John's wort instead with minimal side effects?"
Dr Chen, says Karen, works on the principle that it's all about helping the body's immune system function in an optimal way so that it keeps the disease in check, resulting in fewer bad symptoms. In Karen's words:
"The body takes time to heal and the acupuncture guides the body to heal itself. Heal from what? I don't think our bodies are working optimally. The body does its best under any circumstances but after years of medications, ravages of depression and stress, excesses in food and drink - sugar, chemicals, smog - acupuncture helps the body recover from these assaults. I have more respect for the working of the body now and the strength of it."
Now, after four and a half months, Karen feels ready to discontinue treatment. As well as easing her depression, she also credits acupuncture for helping her go off sugar. And there is the spiritual side: "I really believe in meditating on God. It spiritualizes the mind which in turn uplifts the mood. Regular meditation is important to me."
If you are thinking of acupuncture for yourself:
Your doctor is a good resource
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