There are mental problems than can cause physical health imbalances and vice versa.  Depression is one mental or emotional problem that causes physical symptoms to manifest. Acupuncture Spokane is one of the most effective treatment for treating depression and its related symptoms.  The basis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in general and acupuncture in particular in treating depression is to restore a relative balance in energy flow free from obstructions and to establish a functional and harmonious relationship between mind, body and environment.  Depression, according to (TCM), is a result of energy stagnancy in one part of the body or an imbalance between the yin and yang forces interacting in the body.  Imbalances in either yin or yang can be determined by observing the posture, gait, skin condition, vision, voice, tongue and pulse of the patient.  It is essential that the acupuncturist precisely diagnose the condition to endorse the best approach to the problem.  The acupuncturist will also need to study and record the medical history of the patient and the manifesting symptoms the patient exhibits.  The procedure also entails an analysis of the patient’s mental and emotional state, the patient’s blood and body fluids and the organs of the patient.

Acupuncture believes that the body has 14 meridians or energy channels where chi or life force travels.  These channels run and interconnect like networks through all parts of the body. There are about 2000 acupuncture points in the body where acupuncture needles are inserted for certain purposes.  By inserting needles to these points, the acupuncturist can enable the life force to flow freely once again.  A blocked chi at a specific point causes energy deprivation of certain organs.  These organs then become dysfunctional and weaken.  During acupuncture treatment, depressed people can experience an immediate relaxing effect helping the body to heal and energize.  To provide for a painless and safe treatment acupuncturists use hair thin, sterilized, newly packaged and disposable for-single-use only needles. A sensation of soreness or stretching at the beginning of the treatment is a healthy sign of the needle eliciting a favorable chi response.  As the treatment progresses, a soothing, comfortable feeling envelops the patient as acupuncture’s potency begins to work on the patient.

The needles are usually inserted at areas connecting the lung, heart, liver and kidney meridians.  The lung organ is treated to release any sorrow the patient may be keeping while the heart organ to heal the sadness it feels.  The liver organ is healed for curing anger, resentment and depression and kidney organ harbors fear and distress which needs to be eliminated.  Afterwards, the patient is required to lie on his/her back to insert needles in the back of the lower arms, legs, stomach, and head to improve energy flow and harmony of the spirit.