UA psychologist finds acupuncture treats depression

Keren Tully Arizona Daily Wildcat Psychology professor John Allen is conducting an experiment with patients suffering from depression. Allen is testing to see if there are any positive results in using acupuncture as a form of treatment .

But it's all in the name of healing.

Allen's research using acupuncture to treat depression has unveiled an alternative therapy method.

Along with a certified acupuncturist and a control group of depression sufferers, Allen has evaluated the merits of using the ancient Chinese procedure as a viable option for patients.

"I had read a couple of studies on acupuncture and substance abuse and found them quite fascinating," Allen said.

This interest soon led to the pairing of Allen and acupuncturist Rosa Schneyer, and together they earned a grant in 1993 to study the effects acupuncture could have on people with depression.

According to Schneyer, many people who come in for acupuncture are also struggling with depression and other forms of mood disorders. Using acupuncture to ease their symptoms is a common practice within the non-clinical setting.

"If you talk to an acupuncturist, they wouldn't think it new," Allen agreed.

However, the method is often considered uncommon by Americans.

Acupuncture's effects have not been observed frequently in Western culture, so the concept of the balance and flow of "qi" - or energy - has been difficult for Westerners to grasp, Allen said.

"There will be a few critics who will be reluctant to believe it, " Allen said. "We can't observe it with an MRI scanner or a stethoscope...it's not observable."

However, Allen and Schneyer can attest that the treatment works.

Explanations credit the soothing effects of acupuncture on depressed or anxious nerves to anatomical, neurochemical and bioelectro-magnetic processes.

The unique arrangement of points on a person's body creates individual treatment for a common, varied condition like depression.

Two-thirds of the people who participated in the study went into clinical remission, said Allen, comparable to the 50 percent to 70 percent who find success with psychotherapy or medication.

"(The study) provides a framework for how a varied thing like depression can be individually treated," Allen said, adding a replication with a larger sample is still required.

Sabrina Hitt, who worked as the study's project coordinator, noted the individualized aspect as a reason why acupuncture may become more popular and acceptable in the psychiatric community.

"Conventional doctors don't take the time to listen and really understand what is going on with the patient," she said. "Acupuncturists take the time to do this and patients find this healing."

As for the idea of needles being equated with pain, Allen, who has undergone acupuncture himself, can dispel the myth.

"'Needles conjure up a really scary image," he said. "The needles they (acupuncturists) use aren't what people imagine."

After presenting his findings, Allen is seeking volunteers for another acupuncture related study.

While it may seem like a novel concept to some, the outcome of using acupuncture as a remedy has universal benefits, Hitt said.

"The study has made a dramatic difference for many people," she said. "It is remarkable to see their renewed joy and their ability to live healthy, meaningful, and productive lives return to them."