Depression in America
Many Americans are troubled by depression. It is a trend that is growing in this fast pace of life, and disconcertingly, more and more young people are depressed in the process of growing up in increasing isolation. Approximately 20 million Americans will experience an episode of depression in their lifetimes. There is no question that depression is a serious illness.
If you have depression, you probably find it really difficult to get through the simplest daily routines, stay on a healthy diet, keep a good balance between social and family life and career responsibilities. You probably feel disconnected from other people. You may be experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, pain, fatigue or insomnia. You find it tough to concentrate. You may be living emotional symptoms such as feeling guilty, worthless, or hopeless, and you may even think about suicide.
Prescription Drugs
Today more than 10% of all Americans are taking anti-anxiety or anti-depressant drugs when they should be, but are unable to make changes in their life. However, the major antidepressant drugs only address symptoms associated with depression, and can cause a variety of side effects, including insomnia, anxiety, listlessness, fatigue, body rash, tremors, facial tics, diarrhea, loss of appetite and sexual dysfunction. While these medications may provide temporary relief, ultimately they complicate the problem and make it increasingly difficult for individuals to seek and implement change.
Acupuncture, Depression & Anxiety
Our physical body and our emotions are, in reality, inseparable. Changes to the body affect the emotions; changes to the emotions affect the body. This is well known to both western science and Chinese medicine. When we experience emotional upset, our internal environment becomes disrupted. Likewise, physical problems affect our emotions.
Traditional Chinese medicine identifies the imbalance of "stagnant or depressed Qi" as a condition, which, if not treated, can lead to depression. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can not only help to alleviate the symptoms of depression, but they can address the root causes and underlying imbalances that contribute to the problem. They can do so safely, naturally, effectly, and without reliance on problematic drug therapy.
Sources:www.acupuncturetoday.com.
International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression www.ifred.org
