Lachlan McDonald Chinese Medicine

Depression is a clinical mood disorder that acupuncture at Lachlan McDonald Chinese Medicine in Mount Eliza, Victoria, can effectively treat. Depression is characterised by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities or hobbies that you once enjoyed.

Depression, like anxiety, is prevalent in society, with one in every six women and one in every eight men in Australia suffering from it. Common symptoms include:

• Perpetual sadness or feelings of emptiness
• Tears and a sense of hopelessness
• Angry, irritable or frustrated outbursts
• Social isolation
• Loss of interest in normal activities such as hobbies, sports or sex
• Low energy levels, fatigue and exhaustion
• Poor concentration
• Anxiety and restlessness
• Headaches
• Chronic pain

Anxiety symptoms are common in people who have depression, as they are frequently found together.

Can acupuncture help with depression?

Recent research has shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment for depression, either by itself or in conjunction with other treatments. Evidence suggests that people who are treated with antidepressant medications and acupuncture recover faster than those who are only treated with antidepressants.

Acupuncture can also be used in tandem with other depression treatments such as counselling, psychotherapy, light therapy, or mindfulness-based therapies.

What are the benefits of acupuncture for depression?

• Better quality of life
• Improved sleep
• Reduction in pain 
• Enhanced mood
• Fewer side effects
• Quick recovery

What can you expect from an acupuncture treatment for depression?

Your acupuncture session will last approximately an hour, with the needles remaining in place for 25 to 30 minutes. During your initial appointment, Lachlan will enquire about the effects of depression on your mental, physical and emotional health. He'll  also inspect other aspects of your health and lifestyle so that he can better assess your overall health and treat you more effectively.

Acupuncture points for depression can be found all over the body, but Lachlan prefers to use them on the arms and legs. He also  uses ear acupuncture, which is a more recent development but can help with depression symptoms.

During your treatment, you will be asked to lie down on the massage table while Lachlan inserts the needles painlessly, then he leaves you to rest for 25 to 30 minutes to allow the needles to do their work.

What will you feel after your treatment session?

Most people report feeling calm and relaxed after a treatment. Acupuncture will provide the most benefit in the first 24 to 48 hours, so expect an improved mood, increased energy, and a more optimistic outlook. These positive effects will extend much longer as you receive more treatments.

Is acupuncture a safe way to treat depression?

Lachlan's acupuncture needles are so fine that they are virtually painless when inserted. You may feel a slight tingling sensation as they go in, followed by a warm sensation or heaviness in that area. You might feel nothing at all.

Acupuncture has been shown in studies to be a safe treatment for depression when performed by a trained professional. It is also safe to use alongside antidepressant medication.

Make an appointment today to finally get rid of depression.

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