Acupuncture for Depression
Acupuncture for Depression
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture treatment for depression involves placing skinny needles at specific points on the body. It’s an ancient practice, but today it’s often explained in more modern terms: those points sit near nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, and the needle stimulation sends signals through the nervous system.
That “signal” can help dial down pain, relax tight muscles, and promote overall relaxation. Acupuncture can affect how the brain processes pain, support blood flow to the treated area, and influence chemicals involved in calm and recovery, like endorphins.
Simply put, it’s a low-impact way to support the nervous system and the body’s regulatory systems. Some practitioners lean more towards this explanation. Others rely on energy pathways. While this isn’t exactly scientific, it doesn’t change the treatment’s results, since the acupuncture points used are the same anyway.
What is depression?
Depression (often called major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a real medical condition that affects how you feel, think, and function every day. It’s more than “feeling sad.” With depression, the low mood or loss of interest tends to stick around for long periods of time, and it can start changing sleep, appetite, energy, focus, and even physical comfort. For many people, symptoms last at least two weeks and get in the way of work, school, relationships, or even basic routines.
Common symptoms can include. Feeling down, empty, or hopeless most of the day, losing interest or pleasure in things you usually enjoy. Low energy or feeling slowed down. Sleep changes (insomnia or oversleeping). Appetite or weight changes. Trouble concentrating or making decisions. Feeling worthless or overly guilty. Physical aches or heaviness with no apparent cause. Restlessness or feeling “wired.” In severe cases, thoughts that life isn’t worth living.
Causes are usually not a single thing. Depression often comes from a mix of factors. Genetics and family history. Brain chemistry and stress-response systems. Significant life events (loss, trauma, ongoing stress). Chronic medical conditions or chronic pain. Hormonal changes (for some people). Alcohol or drug use. Certain medications can also play a role in some cases.
Depression is treatable! If symptoms are lasting, getting worse, or affecting daily life, it’s worth talking with a healthcare professional. If you or someone you know has thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent help right away (in the U.S., you can call or text 988).
Can Acupuncture Help with Depression?
Acupuncture in Brooklyn is not a standalone cure, but it can make symptoms more straightforward to handle, mainly when used alongside therapy, lifestyle changes, or medical care.
If you’re not sleeping well, acupuncture may help your nervous system settle, making it easier to fall asleep. If stress is ruining your life, acupuncture for stress often allows the body relax, which can ease tension and the tense feeling that you’re about to fight someone, even when everything around you is fine and calm.
For low mood, acupuncture may encourage the release of feel-good chemicals like endorphins, which can take the edge off sadness and help you feel better. Some people also notice better digestion, less body tension, and improved energy. These may be small wins, but when one’s dealing with depression, every win is significant.
Acupuncture Points for Depression
- GV20 (Baihui – Hundred Meetings). Top of the head. Often used to “quiet the mind” and help with stress-related tension.
- LR3 (Taichong – Great Surge). Top of the foot (between the big toe and second toe). Common symptoms of stress build-up include irritability and general tightness.
- PC6 (Neiguan – Inner Frontier Gate). Inner wrist. Used for calming the nervous system, easing anxiety-like symptoms, and nausea that can come with stress. Often used in acupuncture for anxiety treatments.
- HT7 (Shenmen – Spirit Gate). Wrist ceases on the pinky side. Often chosen for sleep issues, racing thoughts, and emotional tension.
- SP6 (Sanyinjiao – Three Yin Intersection). Inner lower leg, a few inches above the ankle. Used for stress, sleep support, and overall regulation. Not used during pregnancy.
- Yintang (Hall of Impression). Between the eyebrows. A popular “calm down” point for tension, overthinking, and trouble relaxing.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Depression
- May help regulate mood chemicals. It can influence neurotransmitters that affect mood, which may help you feel a bit better mentally.
- Supports the stress-hormone system. Acupuncture for depression may help calm the body’s stress response so you don’t feel overly tense all the time.
- May improve brain health. May encourage neuroplasticity, which matters for recovery and healthier brain patterns.
- Can lower stress-related inflammation. Chronic stress can cause inflammation, and acupuncture for depression may help reduce it.
- Helps with emotional regulation. Many people feel less emotionally tense after regular sessions.
- May ease anxiety-type symptoms. Acupuncture for treating depression can calm the nervous system, which may reduce that tense feeling.
- Supports overall emotional health. It’s not a cure, but it can help you feel more “okay” in daily life.
- Better relaxation. Sessions often leave people feeling calmer, clearer, and relaxed.
What to Expect from Acupuncture for Depression Treatment
A depression acupuncture visit usually starts with a check-in. The practitioner will ask about your mood, sleep, stress, digestion, and any physical symptoms you’re experiencing. They’ll also ask about your health history, any conditions you have, and the medications or supplements you take, as these can affect how they plan your care.
Then you’ll lie down and relax while thin yet fine, sterile needles are placed in specific acupuncture points for depression. Most people feel little to no pain, just a slight pinch or pressure. You’ll rest for about 20-40 minutes. After the session, most people feel calmer or even a bit sleepy.
It can look a bit different for everyone. If you’re doing talk therapy, taking meds, exercising more, or trying other treatments, acupuncture therapy for depression can be adjusted to support what you’re already working on.
Acupuncture for Depression at Pulse Acupuncture in Brooklyn, NY
Depression can feel heavy, and it helps to have extra support. At Pulse Acupuncture in Brooklyn, NY, we keep everything simple and efficient. We listen first, ask the right questions, and create a plan around what you’re actually dealing with, like sleep issues, stress, energy, and how your body feels day to day. If you’re already doing therapy, taking medication, or making lifestyle changes, we can tweak the treatment plan to create a perfect fit.
Yes, acupuncture for depression treatment doesn’t erase depression overnight. Still, it can help with the parts that make it more complicated, like poor sleep, constant tension, feeling wired, and feeling physically and emotionally drained.
If you want extra support right now, reach out to Pulse Acupuncture and book a visit. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
Why Pulse Acupuncture?
Experience
Marina Doktorman, L.Ac. has over 20 years of clinical experience.
RELAXATION
At Pulse Acupuncture, we aim to cultivate a spa-like environment.
Comfort
All of our needles are of the highest quality for painless insertion.
Patient Reviews

I had the pleasure of working with Marina, Laryssa, and Jaesung, and they have all been absolutely amazing. Thanks to this incredible team, I can now sit, drive, walk, sleep comfortably, and function normally again. I truly don’t think I’d be where I am today without their care and expertise.
Pulse Acupuncture has become my go-to place for anything pain-related. The entire team is warm, compassionate, and professional, with outstanding bedside manners.
I highly recommend Pulse Acupuncture to anyone experiencing pain and looking for effective, non-invasive treatment. Truly life-changing! 😊
Marina is very accommodating, kind, and attentive, and her staff is a pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend Pulse.
Acupuncture has truly changed my life and has helped me in ways I didn’t even know were possible.
I started doing acupuncture to balance my hormones after 2 years of unsuccessful fertility treatments. When I started seeing Marina, my periods were starting to be regular and I was dealing with a few different symptoms which we started treating right away (constipation, random headaches, body aches)… in the last 3 years I have not been sick (no flu, have never tested positive for COVID) - Marina even treated me for allergies more than a year ago during an allergy episode in changing seasons.
Also want to mention Larissa as I started seeing her in Marina’s beautiful office and she’s also contributed to my wellness journey. Acupuncture is my favorite wellness practice, I see them regularly and have never felt better. I sometimes just tell them whatever I’m thinking/feeling knowing they will stick some needles in different places of my body and I come out floating and feeling so relaxed.
Excellent service- great results- highly recommended ~!
Marina is not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also very calming and has great bedside manners. If you're looking for a fantastic acupuncturist I can't recommend her enough!!
After 10 minutes of the procedure, you get into a different reality. Marina is knowledgeable, answers all the questions. After the procedure, the skin of the face glows, the body becomes lighter by a couple of pounds. I've been looking for such a procedure and state of mind for a long time.
I am beyond grateful to Marina, because after trying so many things, I almost lost hope. highly recommend Pulse Acupuncture and Marina for anyone seeking relief from pain or other health concerns.
The acupuncture sessions themselves are incredibly relaxing and therapeutic. Marina's gentle touch and precise needle placement always leave me feeling calm and rejuvenated. She also incorporates other techniques, such as cupping, which have been very beneficial for my overall health and wellbeing.
In addition to her skill as an acupuncturist, Marina is also a wonderful person to work with. She is warm, friendly, and genuinely cares about her clients' wellbeing. I always leave our sessions feeling refreshed and uplifted, both physically and mentally.
Overall, I highly recommend Pulse Acupuncture and Marina for anyone looking for high-quality acupuncture and personalized care. Thank you, Marina, for your exceptional service and dedication to helping others achieve optimal health!
Acupuncture for Depression - FAQ
Does Acupuncture Work for Depression?
Where Do Acupuncture Needles Go for Depression?
Acupuncture for depression typically involves the placement of needles in specific points on the body that are known to affect mood and emotional health. Some common acupuncture points include:
GV20 (Baihui) at the top of the head for calming the mind and improving overall mood.
HT7 (Shenmen) on the wrist for addressing emotional tension and promoting relaxation.
PC6 (Neiguan) on the inner forearm for calming anxiety and stress.
LR3 (Taichong) on the foot to reduce irritability and promote relaxation.
These points, among others, help balance the body’s energy and support the nervous system in regulating mood.
How Effective Is Acupuncture for Depression?
How Often Should I Get Acupuncture for Depression?
The frequency of acupuncture treatments for depression depends on the individual’s symptoms and treatment plan. In the initial stages, it is often recommended to have treatments 1-2 times per week to achieve more noticeable results. As symptoms improve, the frequency may decrease to once every two weeks or even once a month for maintenance. Your acupuncturist will tailor the treatment schedule to your needs and help you monitor progress. Consistency is key, and some individuals may choose to continue acupuncture for ongoing emotional support, even after feeling better.
Contact us
Acupuncture therapy at Pulse Acupuncture Practice, at Clifton, NJ and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYC offers unique combination of various cupuncture types for healing on all levels: emotional, spiritual and physical by integrating ancient wisdom of energy healing with modern acupuncture techniques.



















































