Acupuncture for Postpartum Depression (Postnatal Depression)
Many
clinical studies have shown that acupuncture is significantly effective in treating
postpartum
depression (see below for links to journal articles). Many of our patients
who successfully conceived after acupuncture treatment for infertility remained
with us through their pregnancy to receive acupuncture to prevent miscarriage and
to improve nutrition. Some of these patients developed postpartum blues and/or postpartum
depression. Our treatments have helped nearly all of these patients quickly and
successfully overcome their depression.
Our treatment for postpartum depression borrows many of the principals and techniques that we use to treat other types of depression. However, because the mother is often
depleted of nutrients and energy after birth, we also focus on increasing nutrition
uptake, increasing energy, and strengthening the immune system. We have found that
this approach to be extremely successful
in helping new mothers regain the energy
they need to take care of their newborns.
Scientific Literature
Key points from recent publications:
- A Stanford University study has found that acupuncture is effective in treating
postpartum depression. (more)
- Acupuncture was found to be able to alter the levels of hormones and enzymes involved
in depression. (more)
- Acupuncture was found to alter the proliferation of cells in the hippocampus of
the brain, a key element in many cases of depression. (more)