8 Health Benefits of Acupuncture

3. Acupuncture for anxiety and depression and other mood disorders

Acupuncture may be just as effective—and safer—than antidepressants for treating depression. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders. The medications used to treat depression are often accompanied by unwanted side effects that can impact a patient’s daily life. Acupuncture is a safe method for treating depression, and it does not have any known side effects— like sexual dysfunction, which is often experienced in people taking antidepressants. Also, there are many studies which report positive findings for acupuncture in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety neurosis, and other anxiety disorders including panic disorders, phobias, and PTSD. It can also treat other mood disorders including bipolar disorder and other manic disorders. It has been shown to decrease the severity of mood swings associated with hormone changes or otherwise.