Do you suffer from Depression? Acupuncture can help!

Many of us were sad to hear of Robin William’s suicide.  Depression is a very deep issue that is not always seen to the outside world. I myself suffered from depression for years. I didn’t know I was depressed, I thought I was just sad and went through life with blinders on. Since my unhappiness started when I was young, I didn’t understand the signs of depression. Which are: fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, pessimism, excessive sleeping, irritable, loss of interest in life, headaches, digestive problems, feeling sad or empty and thoughts of suicide. I didn’t have the courage to kill myself, but I was constantly wishing I would like to have an accident and die. To the outside world, I was vibrant, funny and looked happy. But when I was alone, my inner demons shank me into a deep pool of uneasiness and grief about my life.

What changed for me? While I was completing my Masters Degree in Chinese Medicine, I had mentors and friends mentioned that I was depressed. At first,I was in denial, it felt like a stigma to be deemed as depressed. Then I went to visit my acupuncturist/teacher who felt my pulse. In particular my lung pulse on my right wrist. After a few moments, he said, “You have a cotton pulse”.  A Cotton what? I didn’t learn about that pulse yet. I later found out that a cotton pulse is Qi (energy) stagnation caused by emotional suppression and/or physical trauma. It blew me away. He proceeds to say, “You have been sad for many years, depressed, right.” All I could do was nod my head in agreement. He can tell just by taking my pulse. Really? So impressed, I studied with him for four years.

If he had asked me if I was depressed, I would have said no.  But the body gives you information that the mind conceals. It was one of many realizations that I was indeed depressed. And I needed to seek help. I didn’t see a mental health professional (though I recommend it for some people). I booked appointments with my acupuncturist and sought guidance from mentors. Getting my body back into balance, made dealing with my mental issues easier. This included: acupuncture sessions, herbs, supplements, dietary changes and increasing my physical activities. Getting my mind off of negative thought patterns involved me building a practice of gratitude.

For years, I wish to be dead, and it almost happened in 2009 when my car went down a 100 ft cliff. By divine grace, I was unharmed.  It was a huge wake-up call for me, to understand that I needed to pay attention to my life. If I was meant to be dead I would be, but I am alive. Why not spend it doing the things you love?

It was a long journey to break out of my depression, it takes a lot of love and time. I was blessed to find people in my life that loved me and taught me to how to love myself. In time, my depression lifted its grip in my life. The biggest aspect for me was becoming conscious of my life, and to understand that my past did not have to define my present. I am an acupuncturist because it has truly shifted my perspective on my mind, body and spirit. And I am inspired to help others do the same.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try Chinese Medicine, if you or someone you know suffers from depression. Seek some kind of help, it can change your life.

With Love,

Carine