Living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder
April 2008
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Eastern medicine treats the whole person
for mental wellness with 5,000-year-old methods
 

Highlights

Acupuncture:

  • can reduce stress, anxiety and depression
  • is at least 2,000 years old
  • is recognized by federal health agencies
  • may be covered by insurance

Have you read these?

 

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Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), or Oriental medicine, a 5,000-year-old system of health care, is used to heal the whole person, including disorders of the mind.

"I'd been on antidepressants for four years, and sometimes they helped and sometimes they didn't. But, they always had side effects," said Mary L., a Denver elementary school teacher. "'Isn't there an alternative?' I wondered. I was ready to try something different, something beyond Western medicine."

TCM views the body as a system of energy: This energy, or "qi," (pronounced "chee"), is believed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance. The imbalance of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy) results in disease and must be adjusted.

Integrative medicine combines the strengths of Eastern and Western medicine, says Jason Beito, MSTCM LAc DNBAO, clinic director, Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley, Berkeley CA.

Traditional Chinese Medicine combines acupuncture, herbal therapy and moxibustion (an ancient form of heat therapy).

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of healing developed in China at least 2,000 years ago and involves stimulation of specific parts of the body by penetrating the skin with fine, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation. The needles, from one to four inches long, are sterilized and disposable. The sensation of their insertion is a quick, slight prick. Some people feel nothing at all. Mary likens it to a mosquito bite.

Acupuncture is used to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, along with physical pain or illness. The treatment creates physiological balance, the body's innate ability to self-regulate.

As a treatment for depression, acupuncture points would vary for each individual, but might include an area two inches above the wrist on the inner arm, which would also help heal insomnia and anxiety. Acupuncture can be effective, says Beito, but is only part of the overall treatment.

"I could feel a difference right away," Mary said. "My dark mood lifted, I had more energy and more vitality than I'd had in a long time. Even my carpal tunnel syndrome improved."

Herbal therapy>>…


Before you begin treatment
Take charge of your health by being an informed consumer. Visit your local library or a medical library to find information about the treatment you are considering. A reference librarian can help.

Discuss your Oriental medicine treatment with your traditional health care provider.

 

 

Acupuncture needles fanned out against a golden backgroundCheck with your insurer to see if the services will be covered. "Coverage varies from state to state, but some insurers will cover acupuncture if ordered by a primary care provider," says Brian Smithers with the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Deductibles may be higher than those for conventional care. "Acupuncture is now provided at U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs health facilities," he says.

Choosing a practitioner of Oriental medicine
Discuss a practitioner's qualifications. Most states require certification by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Candidates are required to complete extensive training and apprenticeship. View qualifications for certifications.


See Considering alternative medicine (NCCAM)

For more information
NCCAM, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine/National Institutes of Health is the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research. The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on CAM and NCCAM, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226

An interesting comparison of the development of Eastern and Western medicine throughout history is provided by the Chinese American Medical Society.

Sources

 

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