5 Element Acupuncture For Depression

By Dr. Michael Kowalski, A.P.

Millions of Americans suffer from some form of depression. Use of
anti-depressants in this country has risen by an alarming rate in the last 25 years, with one in every 10 Americans taking anti-depressant drugs. Anti-depressants are the third most common prescription medication.

Women are 2 1/2 times more likely to take anti-depressants than men. An astounding 23% of women in their 40’s and 50’s take anti-depressants, higher than any other group.

5 Element Acupuncture is an effective alternative to anti-depressants and can resolve the unique root cause of depression for any individual. In 5 Element Acupuncture, we identify 5 main causes of depression, one type for each of the 5 Elements. There is a different emotion associated with each Element: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood.

Fire Depression

Fire is associated with Joy. When a person’s Fire is out of balance, their energy typically becomes depleted and they develop a “Lack of Joy.” This leads to an emotional flatness, a lack of interest or enthusiasm, or a lack of “spark.” Acupuncture treatment on the Fire meridians can stoke the Fire and rebuild the Joy.

Earth Depression

Earth is associated with Sympathy. When a person’s Earth is out of balance, they either need sympathy or support from others, or feel the need to give sympathy or support to others. Sympathy can lead to worry, so one may overthink or worry when Earth is out of balance. In Earth depression, a person may feel misunderstood, unsupported, or ask, “Why is this happening to me?” Acupuncture treatment on the Earth meridians can support the Earth and balance the need to give or receive Sympathy.

Metal Depression

Metal is associated with Grief. When a person’s Metal is out of balance, they feel an emptiness or void. Their self-worth may suffer, and they may lose respect for themselves or others. They may have trouble letting go of the past and hold onto regrets. If their Metal energy continues to deplete, they can slip into an emotional abyss. Acupuncture treatment on the Metal meridians can allow a person to let go of their Grief and rebuild their self-esteem.

Water Depression

Water is associated with Fear. When a person’s Water goesout of balance, they feel fearful or anxious. If Water goes further out of balance, a person may experience a high level of anxiety or have panic attacks. As Water becomes depleted, they may lose their drive and ambition or feel a sense of resignation. This can lead to them “drowning” in Water depression. Acupuncture treatment on the Water meridians can dissipate fear and anxiety, bring a sense of peace and calm and rebuild one’s willpower.

Wood Depression

Wood is associated with Anger. When a person’s Wood goes out of balance, they feel easily irritable, tense, frustrated, or angry. They may lose their patience and temper, and may develop resentment towards others or turn their anger inward and develop feelings of guilt. If Wood energy becomes more unbalanced, they may develop feelings of futility or hopelessness. Acupuncture treatment on the Wood meridians can lessen anger and increase one’s sense of hope.

Even in severe cases of depression, 5 Element Acupuncture is powerful and can work alongside anti-depressants to boost their effectiveness. For moderate to mild depression, 5 Element Acupuncture treatments can result in a reduction of medication dosage, or may completely replace the need for drug therapy. Other styles of acupuncture do not treat depression as directly or effectively. If you know anyone suffering with depression, treatment from a 5 Element acupuncturist can improve his or her condition.