Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
Almost three in ten adults have experienced depression at some point in their life. Pharmacological management is often the first line of treatment for depression. However, doctor-prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, have side effects and limitations, including nausea, insomnia, headaches and dizziness. Additionally, 30-60% of patients may either not respond or partially respond to antidepressants.
However, seeing a therapist and taking prescription medication are not the only ways to effectively manage major depressive disorder. Evidence shows that acupuncture treatments and traditional Chinese medicine have successfully been used to assist people with depression and depression-related health conditions, including anxiety, fatigue, bipolar disorder and sleep disorders.
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
Acupuncture techniques we use to help treat depression
Traditional Chinese Medicine considers the body as a whole, with no separate concept of the brain. It treats the root cause of illness and sees mental health and depression as a reflection of overall imbalance. Each organ plays a role in maintaining this equilibrium, and when this balance is disrupted, depressive symptoms can arise.
At The Shift Clinic Brisbane, our acupuncturist practitioners aim to restore harmony by balancing energies. Central to treating anxiety and depression is the Heart energy, known as the Emperor. If energy is deficient, we direct qi and energy to the heart centre to nourish the Shen (mind). If energy is excessive, we disperse heat and energy away from the heart centre to promote restfulness, peace and calm.
Research for acupuncture relieving depressive symptoms is very promising - so even though acupuncture treatments are a traditional Chinese medicine therapy we're glad to have it backed up by science.
Our acupuncture treatment process for depression
Acupuncture is a holistic treatment, considering both emotional and physical aspects of health. Your practitioner will begin by assessing your overall health to identify the underlying or contributing causes of your depression symptoms. Often, anxiety or depression can contribute to other issues such as headaches, digestive problems, or insomnia. Using natural medicine to assist depressive symptoms will also help to improve other associated issues. Acupuncture treatments can be used to help mild depressive symptoms and also when there is major depressive disorder.
Why choose Shift for depression acupuncture in Brisbane?
At our clinic, we provide a compassionate and supportive space for healing. Our experienced practitioners take a holistic approach to care, helping patients with a range of health issues, including depression, anxiety and mental health.
Here’s what we offer:
Flexible appointment times, Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 7 PM
Easy access with onsite and street parking
Instant health fund rebates through HICAPS
Individualised case in our peaceful Brisbane clinic
Option to utilise other treatments such as hypnotherapy and EMDR alongside your acupuncture treatment.
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
What to expect from your first depression Acupuncture session at our Brisbane clinic
An initial acupuncture appointment is $135 and follow up appointments are $125. This includes a full assessment of your depression and other symptoms, on-the-table treatment and dietary suggestions.
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment to enjoy a cup of tea and settle in before your session.
Your treatment will be with Jarrah Crabtree, a Bachelor-qualified Brisbane acupuncturist with extensive clinical experience in treating patients with stress, anxiety, and depression.
During your first acupuncture session, Jarrah will conduct a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis using gentle techniques such as pulse and tongue analysis. Acupuncture treatments are designed to be comfortable and relaxing using thin acupuncture needles for maximum comfort. Of course, we only use sterile needles and follow strict hygiene practices at Shift Brisbane.
Jarrah takes a holistic approach to depression treatment, sometimes incorporating massage, cupping, moxibustion, and other traditional Chinese medicine techniques. Treatment is tailored to the specific type of disorder and may also include herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications and other treatments.
After assessing your symptoms during your initial consultation at The Shift Clinic Brisbane, Jarrah will craft a personalised treatment plan that’s just right for you. This plan will evolve as we see progress, ensuring the best possible care for your mental well-being.
Your acupuncturist will personalise your care and alongside depressive symptoms may also work on anxiety, pain, fatigue or other illness that you may be experiencing. We are a collaborative clinic – so for complex cases we may recommend that you see other modalities alongside. Hypnotherapy, EMDR, naturopathic medicine can all be useful adjuvants to your treatment.
Once the treatment is completed, we will gently remove the needles and then discuss your personalised acupuncture treatment plan so you have a clear roadmap for improving your depression symptoms and overall well-being. Alternative treatments may be recommended with other members of our team if they will help with a reduction of your your depression and anxiety symptoms faster.
At Shift, education is at the heart of our approach. In addition to acupuncture, we may suggest complementary therapies and lifestyle adjustments, or provide educational resources such as blogs, podcasts, and other materials to further support your well-being.
What our clients say...
Can acupuncture actually help with depression?
The answer is yes! Many people have tried acupuncture for depression, and recent health science studies support its effectiveness as a treatment for the condition. For example, many psychiatrists are recommending acupuncture treatments to their patients because, it can provide immediate benefits with minimal side effects and is a comprehensive treatment option benefitting both physical and mental health. This 2024 study found that acupuncture can help with depression by regulating neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, which affect our mood, supporting the body's stress response system to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting neuroplasticity (helping the brain adapt and heal), reduces inflammation and abnormal immune activity associated with depression. Essentially, it helps the body and brain function more smoothly, leading to better overall wellbeing.
Our acupuncturists recognise that there are times when pharmaceutical intervention is required for major depressive disorder. We practice responsible and trusted referral base for severe mood disorders or for those unresponsive to current treatment.
Ready to book? Book online here.
Our expert team of depression acupuncturists in Brisbane
Acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese Medicine
Acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese Medicine
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
Depression Acupuncture FAQs.
Yes, acupuncture can be an excellent treatment for seasonal depression. It helps regulate mood and supports the body’s natural rhythms through the changing seasons. Many of our clients see significant improvements when combining acupuncture with other natural medicine such as Chinese herbs (in particular St John’s Wort), and lifestyle changes.
Absolutely! Negative thoughts are essentially cognitive distortions. This evidence explains that depression can affect the part of the brain that is responsible for thoughts, leading to negativity. So, through Acupuncture, specific energy points in the are stimulated to help the brain heal and promote healthier, more positive thinking.
Yes, acupuncture can help with emotional distress in the same way it helps with depression—by balancing energies through specific acupressure points.
Yin Tang, the “third eye” is located right in the middle of an imaginary line drawn between the end of your right and left eyebrows, just above your nose. Press this point for up to five minutes to help with depression.
Yes – you can claim your acupuncture for depression appointment through our HICAPS machine on the spot at our Brisbane clinic.
We can prescribe you herbal medicine if needed alongside your acupuncture treatment. We will also look at Chinese dietetics and lifestyle recommendations to help your mental health.
Not at all! We use ultra-thin, pain-free Japanese-style needles designed for comfort, ensuring a relaxing experience. Most people leave feeling better than when they arrived.
Call us on 07 3367 0337 to make your appointment or book online here.
Book your Acupuncture at Shift Brisbane here.
Keep your Feet Warm for Optimum Fertility
Benefits Of Acupuncture To Manage Anxiety
Japanese Acupuncture vs Chinese Acupuncture – 7 Key Differences
Acupuncture For Ankle Injuries
Can Acupuncture Help Treat Bells Palsy?
Acupuncture for Hayfever Allergies
