Can Acupuncture Relieve Physical Symptoms Linked to Depression?

Depression is often accompanied by physical disorders such as pain, sleep disturbances, or digestive issues. These symptoms worsen quality of life and make treatment more complex. Conventional antidepressants primarily target mood, but they are less effective for these physical manifestations and can cause undesirable side effects. Acupuncture, a practice derived from traditional Chinese medicine, is generating increasing interest for its ability to alleviate both depressive symptoms and their physical manifestations.

Several mechanisms explain how acupuncture might work. It influences the production of chemicals in the brain such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play a key role in regulating mood and physical sensations. Studies also show that acupuncture alters the activity of certain brain areas involved in managing emotions and pain. It also reduces inflammation and helps regulate stress by acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is often disrupted in depressed individuals.

In adolescents, postpartum women, or treatment-resistant patients, acupuncture improves not only mood but also sleep quality, fatigue, and pain. It is particularly useful as a complement to antidepressants, as it enhances their effects while limiting their drawbacks. Patients generally tolerate this approach well, with very few side effects.

Protocols vary depending on needs: sessions one to three times a week for four to twelve weeks yield the best results. The acupuncture points chosen depend on the symptoms, but some, such as those located on the abdomen or legs, are often used for their overall effect on energy and well-being.

Acupuncture does not replace conventional treatments, but it offers a safe and effective alternative or complement. Its action on multiple biological mechanisms makes it a promising option for a more comprehensive management of depression and its physical symptoms.

Information and Sources

Scientific Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43045-026-00626-1

Title: Mechanisms and clinical applications of acupuncture in treating somatic symptoms of depression: a review

Journal: Middle East Current Psychiatry

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Zhen Guo Cai; Linlin Che; Lu Wen Zhu