Acupuncture for Depression 

Depression can drain your energy and make everything feel harder than it should be. Acupuncture for depression works to lift your mood, rebalance your energy, and help you reconnect with a greater sense of wellbeing.

Acupuncture for Depression 

Depression can drain your energy and make everything feel harder than it should be. Acupuncture for depression works to lift your mood, rebalance your energy, and help you reconnect with a greater sense of wellbeing.

Acupuncture for Depression 

Depression can feel like a heavy weight, like we hold the weight on our shoulders, which is exhausting. It can drain our energy, cause us to spiral, whilst dulling any joy we feel, affecting every part of our lives. It can come in many flavours covering sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, disconnection from things you once loved and much more. Acupuncture can offer a holistic approach, blending talking therapy with needles, to help lift your mood.

Causes of Depression 

Depression has many possible causes. These range from:

  • Life events such as loss, stress, or trauma
  • Imbalances in brain chemistry (serotonin, dopamine)
  • Hormonal changes
  • Chronic illness or pain
  • Genetic predisposition

The list is endless. Much of this, I believe, can be attributed to the way our society functions—constantly glued to our phones, where we act as addicts seeking dopamine rushes from 'doom scrolling,' continually multitasking (I, for one, go on my phone while watching TV), and so on.

 Acupuncture with Josh has been hugely impactful for my anxiety and depression. Josh's unhurried, calming and knowledgeable approach to treatment ensures he understands the full picture of the issue and addresses it with a continued commitment to getting results. I feel calmer, more clear headed and more like myself after each session and I highly recommend him.

— Rebecca

How Acupuncture Helps with Depression

Acupuncture works by supporting both the body and mind. It can:

  • Stimulate the release of chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins
  • Reduce stress hormones such as cortisol
  • Restore your energy flow and lift the stagnation of Qi and blood
  • Ease associated symptoms like insomnia, headaches, or digestive issues
  • Promote relaxation and emotional resilience

What to Expect

Treatments for depression can feel overwhelming. That’s why we start with a longer consultation, as you can tell your whole story, at a pace that suits you. Sometimes it can feel too much, so it’s taken at your own pace, where you can speak about things when ready.


During your consultation, we discuss your medical history and associated symptoms while addressing any emotional causes. It’s really about understanding you as a whole person so that we can treat the root of the problem and achieve an immediate and long-lasting result.


Once we’ve understood how depression manifests for you as a unique individual, we can create a treatment plan that is tailored to you. This could include points like Du 20 (Baihui), Pericardium 6, or Liver 3. Each session is tailored to how you show up on the day.


Many patients report feeling lighter, calmer, and more balanced after treatments.

Why Choose Our Clinic?

  • Specialist training in emotional and mental health acupuncture
  • A practitioner who is deeply passionate about supporting mental wellbeing due to personal experience
  • Space for you to express emotions openly without judgment
  • Holistic blend of ancient acupuncture techniques with modern research designed to get you the results you want and deserve

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can Acupuncture replace antidepressants?

    In a very Chinese philosophical way, the answer is that it depends. Many patients come to Acupuncture before exploring antidepressants, while others use it alongside medical care. Many patients also use it as a root-based healing modality, which can help them navigate coming off antidepressants.

  • How many sessions are needed?

    It depends. Great answer, I know. Most patients feel an immediate sense of relief or calm, with longer-lasting effects noticeable in subsequent sessions, but many patients benefit greatly in 6-8 sessions. Some have more pronounced effects sooner, and some take longer,  but it’s all about finding what works for you.

  • Is it safe?

    Yes. Acupuncture is gentle and safe. There are no side effects, apart from sometimes very minor bruising, and the needles do not hurt. 

Depression doesn’t have to define you. Acupuncture can help you rediscover your joy.