Do you feel low, unhappy, irritable and overwhelmed by life? Do you feel stuck in the rut, unmotivated and unsatisfied at work and at home? Do you feel lonely, sad and not being able to have satisfying relationships?
You may be diagnosed as major depression, or simply just feeling depressed. You are not alone. According to Health Canada, approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives. And this doesn’t even include people who are overwhelmed by demands of daily life, who are chronically stressed and feel depressed and exhausted, but who have not received a clinical diagnosis. And the numbers are increasing.
At Turning Point Bodymind Wellness Inc. — a Chinese Medicine and Counselling practice based in North Vancouver, B.C. — many people struggling with depression, anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and other mood disorders came searching for help for their physical and mental health, and enjoyed the benefit of the integrated, non-pathologizing approach of Chinese Medicine and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment therapy).
The ancient healing art of acupuncture and herbal medicine have been helping people with this condition for over thousands of years. In Chinese Medicine, depression is called “Yu syndrome”. “Yu” in Chinese means “stagnation” “congestion” “closed-up” of energy — the life force. What you experience physically, emotionally and in you life are all the manifestations of this “stuck” energy. The most important treatment principle is to help restore the free flow of energy. Acupuncture is now recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in U.S., and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Numerous studies suggest that acupuncture is as effective as antidepressants, and that it has no side effects. The most important study was done at the University of Arizona in 1998. After 16 weeks of acupuncture treatment, 64% of the women in the test group experienced full remission according to DSM-IV criteria (Schnyer & Allen, 2001)
I was at the point where I needed to try something different, and decided that, at the worst, it could do no harm. After about 5 sessions, I noticed a dramatic, sudden change in my mood, energy level, and outlook on life. I have never experienced anything like it. After that, I was able to handle difficult situations, such as the end of a relationship; something that would normally have sent me into another depression. I was able to remain motivated in other aspects of my life and find a reason to smile, even when bad things were happening.
It is such a comfort for me to know that if things ever feel hopeless again, there is an effective treatment available. Dr. Zhu has a wonderful warm, calming energy about her, and I will continue to encourage others to enjoy the benefits that I have experienced as a patient of hers.
Sincerely,
Christine D
To learn more about how Chinese Medicine heals depression…
To read more success stories on depression…
ACT is an evidence-based therapy model that focuses on having a valued engagement in life. It has shown to be effective in helping people with depression, anxiety, addiction issues, relationship issues, chronic health problems and many other issues.
Many people who experience depression struggle with harsh self-criticism even self-hatred, some others feel stuck in their past memories of trauma and unable to move forward in their life. People who are depressed spend tremendous amount of energy dealing with their mood and managing their reaction to life stress, and they don’t have the energy to create a fulfilling life, let alone live it. ACT aims to help you to change your relationship with your thoughts, feelings and memories, so that you are not controlled by these internal experiences. You are offered a totally different perspective to view yourself and challenges, which facilitates you to make choices that will work for the kind of life you want to live. It helps you to be present, to connect to what really matters to you in life and take committed action to live a valued and fulfilling life.
Neither acupuncture nor ACT “fixes” problems. Instead, they both facilitate the self-directive healing ability that we all have internally. Acupuncture does it by removing “blockages” and ACT by promoting psychological flexibility.
Dr. Judy Zhu has treated me for depression and other physical conditions. I immediately felt a sense of security in her healing abilities. Her compassionate nature allows me to express my concerns and to get to the underlying problems. Through a broad range of treatments, she has enabled me to better understand the connection between my mind and body, and to work toward achieving balance. She has greatly helped me to improve my physical and emotional health in only a short while.
J.G.
If you know that you are not being the person you would like to be and you are not living the life that you would like to live, you will find help at Turning Point.
Please call 604-738-5288 for your complimentary consultation.