A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies looking at acupuncture and depression, has concluded that it is a safe and effective treatment for some forms of the condition.
A total of 207 studies were examined, and 20 were deemed to be of sufficient quality to be subject to meta-analysis. The results showed that for major depressive disorders, acupuncture on its own is as effective as anti-depressant medication in improving symptom severity. For post-stroke depression, acupuncture was also found to be superior to anti-depressants, in improving response and symptom severity. Notably, the incidence of adverse events in acupuncture treatment, was significantly lower than with anti-depressants.
(The Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture Therapy in Depressive Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2009.)
Author: Robin Costello
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training.
I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.
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