Thursday, May 21, 2009

Acupuncture and Depression


Depression can be debilitating for those who experience it.
Prolonged feelings of sadness, discouragement and hopelessness greatly affect the quality of life.
at on time or another, most of us have experienced some form of depression. it's healthy response to events in our lives that seems overwhelming. when we are balanced, physically and emotionally, we can easily bounce back from a depressed, sad state and move on with our lives. but, when negative feelings and emotions become persistent and consistent, depression ma set in.
today, more than 28 million Americans are taking antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs, In 1998, doctors wrote more that 130 million prescriptions for antidepressant. according to the Physicians desk Reference, the top antidepressants drugs only address signs and symptoms associated with depression, and can cause a variety of side effects, including, and not limited to, insomnia, anxiety, listlessness, fatigue, body rash, tremors, facial tics, diarrhea, loss of appetite and sexual dysfunction. Depression alone is stressful enough on the body-and while medications may provide temporary relief, they can further compromise our health.
How can acupuncture help?
Acupuncture has thousands of years experience in treating depression. not only can they help to alleviate the signs and symptoms accompanying depression, they can address the root causes and underlying imbalances that have contributed to the problem, safely and naturally.
acupuncturists are aware of the powerful interplay between our body and emotions-the two are inseparable. When we experience emotional upset, our internal environment becomes disrupted. Likewise, when we experience physical problems, our emotions can become greatly affected.
Over time, this disruption leads to what an acupuncturist calls "stagnant or depressed Qi" This diagnosis is unique to acupuncture. Eventually, it can cause a disharmony within our body, affecting our physical and emotional well-being. if not properly treated, this imbalance may lead to depression.
What will an acupuncturist do?
an acupuncture doctor will take a complete health history in order to find out where, why, and how Qi got stagnant or depressed. They will develop a unique treatment plan tailored to specific symptoms and signs of each individual.
The goals of such a plan will be to activate the movement of Qi throughout the entire body, s well as to address the root causes and underlying imbalances. by treating the body as a whole and unique organism, acupuncture care can support recovery from illness and disease toward health and wholeness.
* acupuncture is not a magical bullet. you may need to receive weeks or months of treatment in order to see lasting results. Give yourself the time required so that you can experience the maximum benefits acupuncture have to offer.
surround yourself with people whom you trust to provide objective and unbiased input and insight. develop a support group of friends, loved ones, family and co-workers who can lend an ear and listen to you.
Breath, go slowly, and think things through. don't make too many life changes all at once. a few at a time will support you and not overwhelm your emotions.
Try to get at least 20 minutes of simple exercise at least 3 days per week, if not more. take a daily walk, breathe deeply and let it all go.
Remember, you are not alone. others are having similar experiences,
Smile:)

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