Acupuncture And Depression: Everything You Need To Know

For centuries, people have turned to acupuncture to help the body heal and find relief from a wide variety of conditions. In recent decades, it has gained increasing popularity in the United States, with millions of people seeking acupuncture each year as part of their health care.

One reason for its growing use is that acupuncture supports both physical and emotional health. Research shows it can reduce stress, improve mood, and help patients manage conditions such as depression and anxiety — especially when standard medical care alone hasn’t been enough.

Understanding Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the use of very fine, sterile needles — about the thickness of a human hair — placed at precise points on the body. These points are selected based on each patient’s unique presentation. Treatments are generally well tolerated and designed to be calming.

Modern research shows that acupuncture:

Stimulates the nervous system to regulate pain and stress pathways

Promotes the release of endorphins and serotonin, which improve mood

Improves circulation and reduces inflammation

Helps calm the stress response (lowering cortisol) and supports healthy sleep

Because of these whole-body effects, acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of issues, including arthritis, migraines, menstrual cramps, allergies, sports injuries, and chronic pain.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a medical condition that affects mood, energy, and overall quality of life. It involves feelings of sadness, guilt, or hopelessness that persist and interfere with daily function. According to the CDC, an estimated 8.1% of American adults experience depression at any given time.

Depression can be triggered by many factors, including long-term stress, trauma, chronic illness, or nutritional imbalances. It often coexists with conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity.

Symptoms Of Depression

Depression can look different for each person, but common symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness

• Irritability or anger over small issues

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)

• Fatigue or low energy

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Anxiety, restlessness, or agitation

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Thoughts of death or suicide

• Physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive issues

Depression may occur once or in repeated episodes, and it often affects daily life, relationships, and productivity. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe symptoms or suicidal thoughts, it’s important to seek immediate medical help.

Cause Of Depression

There isn’t a single cause of depression — often it results from a combination of factors, such as:

Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters can affect mood regulation.

Hormones: Changes during pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause can contribute.

Genetics: Family history can increase the likelihood of experiencing depression.

Chronic health conditions: Illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease can be linked to depression.

Life experiences: Trauma, long-term stress, or loss can also play a role.

Acupuncture and Depression

Can acupuncture help with depression and anxiety?

It’s a common question, and the answer is increasingly supported by scientific research.

Several clinical studies have found that acupuncture can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. For example:

In one study of over 150 participants, those who received acupuncture reported significant improvements in their depressive symptoms compared to those who did not receive acupuncture.

Another study found that acupuncture produced similar effects to fluoxetine (Prozac), a commonly prescribed antidepressant, for some patients.

Research also suggests that acupuncture may be helpful for depression during pregnancy, offering a non-drug option for women seeking safe alternatives.

Acupuncture has also been shown to help with conditions that often overlap with depression, such as migraines and chronic pain, which can worsen or trigger mood disorders.

Possible Side Effects Of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is considered a very safe treatment when performed by a licensed practitioner. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as slight bruising, soreness, or minor bleeding at the needle site.

Rare complications have been reported in the medical literature, but these are extremely uncommon and usually occur when treatment is performed by an untrained provider. Patients on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders may be more prone to bruising and should discuss this with their acupuncturist.

If you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, it’s important to inform your acupuncturist before treatment, since certain techniques (such as electroacupuncture) may not be appropriate. Pregnant women can also receive acupuncture safely, but specific points should be avoided as they may stimulate uterine contractions — so treatment should always be tailored by a qualified acupuncturist in collaboration with your doctor.

Conclusion

Depression and anxiety are complex conditions that often require a multi-faceted treatment approach. Acupuncture has been shown in clinical studies to provide meaningful relief for many patients and can be safely used alongside other treatments such as therapy or medication.

If you’re considering acupuncture for depression or anxiety, consult with a licensed acupuncturist to learn how it may fit into your overall care plan. If you’re in Scottsdale or Phoenix, we’d be happy to meet with you and explore how acupuncture can support your healing.

Contact us to get started.