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Depression is a complicated psychological condition characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, decreased interest in sex and difficulty sleeping. It affects not only the quality of life of the person who is depressed, but of that person's friends and family members. Fortunately, a variety of methods are available to help treat people afflicted with depression. In a recently published study, scientists at the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine compared the efficacy of electroacupuncture in the treatment of mental depression with a well-known antidepressant, and found that electroacupuncture was more effective, while producing fewer side-effects.

In the study, 66 patients diagnosed with mental depression were divided into two groups. In the electroacupuncture group, 30 patients received needling at the bai hui and yin tang points on the head; other points were stimulated based on each patient's diagnosis. Treatment was given six days per week for a total of six weeks, with each treatment session lasting 45 minutes. In the control group, 36 patients were given maprotiline, a prescription antidepressant, in dosages ranging from 75 to 250 milligrams per day for six weeks.

While maprotiline was effective in reducing the symptoms of depression in 90.3 percent of the control patients, electroacupuncture had an even higher effectiveness rate (96.7 percent). In addition, no adverse effects were reported in the electroacupuncture group, while four patients given maprotiline had to withdraw because of "intolerable side-effects" associated with the drug, and another withdrew due to suicidal behavior. The authors concluded that they "obtained the same therapeutic effect" with electroacupuncture as they would have with maprotiline, "thus having further proved the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture in the treatment of affective psychonosema."

Reference

Han C, Li X, Luo H, et al. Clinical study on electroacupuncture treatment for 30 cases of mental depression. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2004;24(3):172-176.

Psoralea is an annual herb native to west Asia, which grows to a height of about two feet, and requires moist soil to prosper. The plant's seeds are used medicinally. They contain a variety of amino acids and other substances, including flavonoids, coumarins, linoleic acid and oleic acid, and small amounts of potassium, calcium, iron and selenium.

Psoralea is associated with the Kidney and Spleen meridians, and is considered to have bitter, pungent and hot properties, according to traditional Chinese medicine principles. It is considered an excellent tonic herb, and is used to improve general vitality. Internally, it can clear up cases of diarrhea, reduce pain in the lower back, and treat urogenital conditions such as frequent urination, incontinence and bed-wetting. Topically, it can help treat alopecia and some skin lesions, such as psoriasis.

The recommended daily dose of psoralea is 3 to 9 grams, usually taken as a decoction. The dosage can be even higher if psoralea is being applied topically. Dried psoralea fruit or seeds can be found at some Asian markets and herbal shops. Powdered psoralea is also commonly available, and is used to make herbal decoctions.

Psoralea should not be used by patients who have yin deficiency, or who present with constipation. Some varieties contain substances called furanocoumarins, which can cause photosensitivity in some individuals. Psoralea also contains a substance called psoralen, which can cause the skin to produce new pigment when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Caution should also be employed by people who are sensitive to sunlight or who sunburn easily, as psoralea can cause an allergic reaction when applied to skin. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking psoralea or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

References

Editorial Committee of Chinese Materia Medica, State Drug Administration of China. Chinese Materia Medica. Shanghai: Science and Technology Press, 1998.
Lei TC, et al. China Journal of Dermatology 1999;3(2):115-118.
Mi SQ, et al. Journal of New Chinese Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology 1998;9(1):27-29.

Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and have them answered by a licensed acupuncturist. This month's questions:

Question #1: I was born with fusions in my neck at C3-C5 and C7-T1, so my available disks are being pushed to their limits. I went to an orthopedist for the pain, which is not severe ... just continuous and mild to moderate. After getting an MRI, I was told that I have edema between C5 and C6, resulting in swelling in the area. I was directed to see an anesthesiologist and get an epidural injection of cortisone.

I have heard so many negative things about cortisone, so after discussing it with a few friends, it was suggested that maybe I should try acupuncture. A family member stated that in the hospital she works, acupuncture has helped with edema in patients. Would acupuncture be a good route for me to try?

Answer: Yes. Usually it works as well, and is a much gentler treatment. You would want to have a series of acupuncture treatments - in general, seven to 10. You should talk to an acupuncturist in person about your individual symptoms.

Question #2: I suffer from cold air-induced asthma and had to move to a warm climate about 10 years ago. I'd like to visit New York City this winter for a wedding, but I'm afraid the cold will induce an attack. How well does acupuncture work with asthma, especially cold air-induced asthma? How often would I need treatments?

Answer: I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by what acupuncture can do for you, although since it appears to be a very chronic problem, you need to start getting treatment now to prepare for your trip. Barring unforeseen inhibitors, it should help a lot.

Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask.

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