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Located downtown Calgary.
Registered Acupuncturist.
Member of Alberta Association of
Traditional Chinese Medical Doctors.
Please pardon our Chinese English,
thank you! :)
              
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Depression
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The article is meant to provide general
information instead of diagnosis because each individual is different. For
specific assessment, please feel free to call 403-233-0498 to arrange an
appointment for assessment.
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Misconceptions
of depression.
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Types
of depression
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Self-management
for depression
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Research
on acupuncture treating depression
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Does
it work for me?
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How
many sessions would I need? How much does it cost??
1.
I have depression because I am depressed.
The etiology is multifactorial, but it is thought that depression is associated
changes in receptor- neurotransmitter relationship in the limbic system. It is
often classified based on the way the illness takes shape. If you have low
spirits for a while, don't be concerned. However, if you feel you can't lift
yourself out of your misery, you should seek professional help.
2. I am coping with a tragic event or difficult situation. The depression
will be relieved as soon as the tragedy is alleviated.
It is true that if your feeling of sadness is associated with a stressful event
in your life, you could get out of it soon enough. However, if your depression
is ongoing for six months or more, then your brain chemistry may have changed as
a result of the prolonged sadness. You could be clinically depressed.
3. I am a weirdo because I have depression.
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. More than 17 million
people - One in ten adults - experience depression each year in the United
States.
4. Depression is only a psychiatric disorder that leads to no physical health
conditions.
There is a strong relationship between depression and cardiac illnesses,
diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer, dementia, asthma & worst;
depression may lead to suicidal ideation or attempt if left untreated.
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Depression
is commonly characterized
into
Depression
with Psychotic Features,
Depression with Melancholic Features,
Depression with Atypical Features,
Seasonal Depression,
Postpartum Depression &
Dysthymic Disorder.
This
helps to determine which particular treatment is most likely to be effective
for it.
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Two
hours of early-morning sun help lift depression. Spend as much time as
possible outdoors. |
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Take
daily walks, preferably in the park or along the seashore, to connect with
nature and appreciate the beauty it offers. Fresh air and deep breathing
exercises are both good in aiding relaxation and promoting good oxygenation
of the entire body. |
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Avoid
spending a lot of time in concrete buildings. |
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Make
a list of assorted activities or things you enjoy doing. Indoor/outdoor and
with/without companion activities. Incorporate these activities in your
daily routine as a treat to yourself. Review the list often and feel free to
modify it. |
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Get
plenty of rest. Overtiredness and depleted nerves create a feeling of
depression. |
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Sit
down and analyze the situation. A lot of times, if you can pinpoint the
source of your depression, you'll feel a lot better. Once you understand the
problem, you can begin to figure out what you need to do about it. |
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Find
a friend to share your feelings with. If you are in a seemingly hopeless
situation, share it with someone who can look at it from a different point
of view. Simply knowing someone cares and wants to listen helps. |
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Have
a good cry. If talking about your problems leads to tears, go ahead and cry.
Crying is a wonderful release especially if you know what you're crying
about. |
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Volunteering
and helping others is a way to focus on someone other than yourself and your
own problems. |
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Drugs,
caffeine, cigarettes and contraceptives induce depression. Paint solvents or
any toxic chemicals are also capable of producing symptoms of depression.
Avoid contacts with these. |
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Avoid
black tea, and alcohol. Use herbs in cooking, fresh in salads, and as
spices. Eat more wheat germ, which is an energizer. Pears, apples, and nuts
contain bromine which assists the nervous system in functioning properly. |
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Do
not keep a grudge. It takes an enormous amount of emotional energy to hold a
grudge, and a guilty conscience damages the health. Learn the art of
forgiving. |
Research
on acupuncture treating depression
There
are numerous experiments and researches done through out the decade. The pilot
research on acupuncture treating depression was published on Psychological
Science Sep. 1998, Vol. 9, no. 5. This research suggested that acupuncture may
prove at least as effective in the treatment of depression as psychotherapy or
drug therapy. Actually, World Health Organization (WHO) also recognizes
depression is one of the conditions treatable by acupuncture.
There
are a lot of people receiving acupuncture treatment for depression. It is certainly
a reasonable natural modality that has its potential to help. However, “It
works for many” doesn’t equal to “it works for you”. As for you, there
is only one way to find out…
Although
good results can be obtained in as few as 6 acupuncture treatments, it is more
realistic to expect
a long-term process if the condition has been chronic.
Most
of the group insurance and company benefits cover acupuncture treatment. You
may get clarification from human resources department in your work place.
We
charge $60 per acupuncture session. There is a $15 initial consultation fee at
the first time of visit. All fees above subject to change without notice.
Please call 403-233-0498 for current rate.
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