Can Acupuncture Help With Depression?

The Evidence for Acupuncture in Depression

A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ Open (not JAMA as in some sources) found that acupuncture was significantly more effective than sham and waitlist controls for depression, with effect sizes comparable to first-line antidepressants. A subsequent Cochrane-commissioned review (Smith et al., 2018) confirmed that acupuncture reduced depression severity and improved quality of life in multiple well-designed trials.

The mechanisms overlap with antidepressant pharmacology: acupuncture modulates serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine systems; increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) which supports neuroplasticity; reduces neuroinflammation (elevated in depression); and normalises the HPA axis, which is chronically overactivated in depression.

Working Alongside Conventional Treatment

At Rainbow Medicine, acupuncture for depression is always recommended as part of an integrated approach — alongside GP care, psychological therapy, and any prescribed medication. We do not recommend discontinuing medication without GP supervision.

Acupuncture complements psychological therapy by addressing the physiological dimension of depression — the dysregulated nervous system, the neuroinflammation, the disrupted sleep and energy — making psychological work more effective. Many patients find they are better able to engage with therapy when their physical symptoms are improved.