Today more than 28 million Americans are taking antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs (2). In 1998, doctors wrote more than 130 million prescriptions for antidepressants. According to the Physician's Desk Reference, the top antidepressant drugs only address signs and symptoms associated with depression, and can cause a variety of side effects, including insomnia, anxiety, listlessness, fatigue, body rash, tremors, facial tics, diarrhea, loss of appetite and sexual dysfunction. Depression alone is stressful enough on the body-and while medications may provide temporary relief, they can further compromise our health.

Acupuncturists are aware of the powerful interplay between our body and our emotions-the two are inseparable. When we experience emotional upset, our internal environment becomes disrupted. Likewise, when we experience physical problems, our emotions can become greatly affected.

Over time, this disruption leads to what an acupuncturist calls "stagnant or depressed Qi." This diagnosis is unique to acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Eventually, it can cause a disharmony within our body, affecting our physical and emotional well-being. If not properly treated, this imbalance may lead to depression.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine incorporate thousands of years of experience in treating depression. Not only can they help to alleviate the signs and symptoms accompanying depression, they can address the root causes and underlying imbalances that have contributed to the problem, safely and naturally.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine provide safe, natural, drug-free and effective ways to address depression. The focus is to restore a balanced and continuous flow of Qi throughout the body and mind.