Berkeley Acupuncture Since 1987: Shen Acupuncture Clinic in Berkeley

ACUPUNCTURE FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Acupuncture treatments for anxiety can use both body and auricular (ear) acupuncture. The object of treatment is to release the qi of the chest and clear heat from the heart.

Body acupuncture points may include Heart 7, Kidney 6, and Spleen 6 to harmonize the Heart and Kidney and nourish the cooling Yin energy of these organs. In cases of excessive Heart Heat, the points Heart 8 and Heart 9 may be used to sedate the Fire within the Heart. Auricular points, such as Shenmen (Spirit Gate), can effectively reduce anxiety; in some cases, retaining ear tacks or small magnetic balls at this auricular acupuncture point can prolong the effects between treatments.

Acupuncture treatment for depression will focus on circulating the Qi and balancing the flow of energy to relieve specific symptoms. The most common Qi circulating treatment is called The Four Gates. This treatment includes the use of Large Intestine 4 (LI4) on the hand and Liver 3 (Liv3) on the foot, bilaterally. These two sets of points are located in similar anatomical positions on the body: LI4 in the fleshy web between the thumb and index finger, and Liv3 on top of the foot between the big toe and the second toe.

Once your Qi is circulating properly and your energy levels are normalized, you can begin to have the strength to lift yourself back into the swing of life, leaving your depression behind.