Acupuncture is an effective form of treatment for a number of different conditions, including anxiety, and, in recent years, it has gained attention for its positive effects in treating patients suffering from depression. Acupuncture targets specific points on the human body to help both calm and deactivate amygdala structures and its effects are truly remarkable.
Amygdalae are a small pair of very important structures found behind the eyes and as far back as a person’s ears. Depression has been linked to the activation of these structures, which increase both in size and their activation in patients that are depressed. Acupuncture can help by targeting the specific points that deactivate them and eliminate symptoms and causes of depression to some extent. Researchers have been able to view the effects of acupuncture through magnetic resonance imaging, which allows them to investigate different diseases and mental illnesses by monitoring changes in the patient’s brain structure. They are able to observe the blood flow to the brain to see the activation or deactivation in the brain.
The pair of amygdalae are part of a broad collection of brain structures responsible for the emotional experiences humans have and are involved with how memories are formed, decisions are made and even the emotional reactions we experience. Scientists are now conducting more research to see how acupuncture plays a role in this aspect and the ways it can effectively help treat depression. Acupuncture makes use of very thin needles that are inserted into specific parts on the patient’s body to target that area and help the patient heal. Acupuncture has been known to help reduce pain, ease muscle problems, improve sleep, help with infertility and digestion issues and more recently, have been linked to improving one’s mental well-being. Once the link between depression and the amygdala was discovered, researchers were able to study the effects of acupuncture when it came to changes in brain activity and more studies are being conducted to further investigate the effects when it comes to depression specifically.
Many patients swear by acupuncture and see a difference after only a few sessions. More research is being conducted regarding the matter and its effectiveness in treating this condition and how acupuncture affects a person’s mind and body. Its ability to trigger a general sense of relaxation and promote calm are just two of the reasons acupuncture is worth a try, regardless of the health condition you’re suffering from. Whether you experience frequent migraines, have difficulty sleeping or are going through depression, acupuncture may be the treatment that’s right for you.
If you’ve tried other forms of treatment and feel unsatisfied with the results, contact Kinetic Patterns in Vancouver and the naturopathic doctors at this medical clinic will provide a different approach. They listen to every patient and assess their symptoms to apply the right treatment accordingly, so whether you need a naturopathic pharmacy or want a doctor who will help you heal through a different approach, call Kinetic Patterns to book an appointment today.