So let’s break this study down, here is the juice:
What did they do?
The researches divided A total of 126 patients with depression into two groups:
- The first group received the standard SSRI drugs for depression.
- The second group received drugs and also received acupuncture.
These patients were treated every other day over a period of six weeks.
The acupuncture points used were:
- P6 HT7 Liv3 Liv8 Liv14 Ren17 Du26 UB15
- And the needles were retained for 30 minutes.
What were the results?
Based on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Side Effects Rating Scale (SERS) which the researchers used to evaluate the effect on the patients the results showed that the acupuncture+medicine group faired significantly better.
They also had reduced adverse reactions to the SSRIs. Moreover, their levels of serotonin and anti-inflammatory markers were increased.
Its interesting to note the relationship between inflammation, neuroimmune function and depression. Some studies suggest a link between increased levels of inflammation and depressive disorders. This may be one of the ways that acupuncture benefits depression.
I think more research in this area may lead us to understand more about the PNI (Psychoneuroimmunology) system which is a fascinating subject for a future blog π
