Tag Archive for: depression

Acupuncture effect on stroke depression

Acupuncture for post-stroke depression

Did you know that depression and anxiety are common among stroke survivors, affecting around one-third of them.

Acupuncture has been extensively studied as a means of aiding stroke recovery. And now specific research has also shown its potential in treating post-stroke depression. Chinese scientists have conducted a comprehensive analysis of various acupuncture studies to determine its efficacy in this regard. Their findings show that acupuncture is as effective as antidepressant medication, with fewer side effects and adverse reactions.

In China it is common to apply acupuncture in the hospitals for post-stroke recovery. And many post-stroke facilities have a team of acupuncturists on board. However, in New Zealand, there may be some practical challenges in applying this treatment. For example, in the early stages of the disease, many post-stroke patients may find it difficult to travel to see an acupuncturist. But for those who are lucky enough to afford an acupuncturist to travel to their hospital for post-stroke rehab, it’s important to talk to your acupuncturist about your mental health. That way, they can design a treatment plan that takes your needs into account!

Acupuncture for PMS, a new study

In 2018 Cochrane collaboration did a review of acupuncture and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).  In an attempt to evaluate current evidence, the researchers searched for high-quality studies and included 5 of them in this review. There was data from 277 participating women included.

Acupuncture and acupressure may improve both physical and psychological symptoms of PMS when compared to a sham control. This rules out that the improvements were due to the placebo effect. There were no reported side effects.

Many interventions have been used to treat PMS, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and hormonal interventions. However, they all come with negative side effects. That’s why acupuncture is such a welcome natural option. The researchers concluded that considering the potential of acupuncture, it needs to be further rigorously studied.

How acupuncture helps with PMS?

Modern  studies have shown that acupuncture may promote the release of specific neuropeptides. This cascades into important physiological effects, even activating your self-repair mechanisms. Furthermore, acupuncture can modulate endogenous opioids, that have similar effect to morphine.

By needling of specific acupuncture points we may alter blood flow to the uterus. It has been shown to modulate prostaglandin levels. These effects can relieve menstrual pain.

Women with PMS have elevated levels of inflammation. And acupuncture can reduce inflammatory markers. This effect may be a primary pathway how it helps with PMS symptoms.

Pregnancy depression acupuncture

Depression during pregnancy and Acupuncture

Acupuncture for pregnancy depression

When it comes to treating pregnancy depression, acupuncture is gaining recognition as an effective and safe solution. Now a new and largest study to date published in Obstetrics & Gynaecology confirms acupuncture to be effective for antenatal or pregnancy depression. There’s a growing call for this ancient therapy to become a mainstream option, especially considering the positive effects on both mother and baby.

Pregnancy Depression: More Common Than You Think

 

Pregnancy depression is more common than previously thought, with 1 in 7 pregnant women may suffer the baby blues. Now an influential body of US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women during pregnancy are screened for the condition affecting health not only of the mother but also of the developing baby.

Why antidepressants may be risky during pregnancy

Since 2008 NZ Medsafe has been warning that SSRI antidepressant use in pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital abnormalities and that in later stages of pregnancy can lead to neonatal complications indicative of a withdrawal syndrome, and to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn; and that doctors need to discuss this with their patients.
Some antidepressants were considered to be relatively safe not so long ago, but there is more and more evidence confirming that any kind of antidepressants may temporarily or permanently harm the developing foetus. The March 2010 issue of Pediatrics reports that antidepressants may permanently or reversibly affect fetal brain development.

Why you shouldn’t delay and address pregnancy depression as soon as it is diagnosed

Addressing pregnancy depression promptly is vital for safeguarding both mother and baby. Left untreated, it can lead to preterm births and elevated cortisol levels, possibly causing low birth weight or impaired brain development. Children born to mothers with pregnancy depression may also show heightened cortisol levels by age 10, indicating long-term effects on emotional health.

Acupuncture for pregnancy depression

Pregnancy depression and stress can lead to adverse effects on the baby. Acupuncture is a safe effective treatment against the baby blues.

  • Many thousands of preterm births could be prevented if women diagnosed with the condition receive treatment during pregnancy.
  •  Antenatal depression and stress increase cortisol levels; this may lead to babies, who are born small and possibly smaller brains in proportion to their bodies.
  • Babies born to mothers with this debilitating condition have a blunted stress response, which may mean it is harder for them to react to stressful situations.
  • Antenatal stress can alter the structure of her offspring’s brain, particularly regions vital for emotional development.
  • Antenatal depression has a long-term effect on the child. Children born to stressed mothers have shown abnormally high cortisol levels at age 10.

The bottom line? Depression during pregnancy may harm the developing foetus and so can antidepressants. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for antenatal and postnatal depression. If you are pregnant and suspect that you may be suffering from depression, reach out to your obstetrician, midwife or GP and get in touch with us today.