Depression and anxiety remain two of the most common mental disorders worldwide. Acupuncture is becoming more recognized as treatment to help support these disorders. When factors like injury, stress, improper nutrition or a change in environment disrupt the natural flow of the body’s energy, health issues may arise. Acupuncture stimulates the release of oxytocin (the feel good hormone), a hormone that regulates the parasympathetic nervous system.
Acupuncture can also just start the body’s natural ability to heal itself or stimulate the part of the brain that controls emotions, including anxiety and depression. All of these can help people feel relaxed and more balanced.
Variations in mood are a normal, everyday part of life. Feelings of sadness or despair are typically temporary and should last no longer than a few days. Depression, on the other hand, is a serious mental illness that is diagnosed when this negative state of mind continues for two weeks or longer. Learn how Acupuncture in Red Bank, NJ can help treat your Depression.
Symptoms of depression may include the following:
- Persistant feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritibility, or helplessness;
- Loss of interest in enjoyable activities;
- Changes in appetite, including both overeating and undereating;
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Lack of energy;
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions;
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts; and/or
- Physical aches and pains
There are several types of depression recognized by the medical community. Major depressive disorder is a disabling form of the illness and hinders the patient from normal functioning. Dysthymic disorder is a long term, low grade depression while psychotic depression is accompanied by psychosis. Other types of depression are postpartum depression, which affects new mothers, and seasonal affective disorder.*
