Preliminary From Acupuncture Meridians On The Treatment Of Depression Treatment Law

Background:according to WHO "world health report 2001",Global Burden of Disease 2000 analysis shows that unipolar depressive disorders are ranked as the fourth leading cause of burden among all diseases.By the year 2020,if current trends for demographic and epidemiological transition continue the burden of depression will become the second leading cause of DALYs lost(disability-adjusted life year). Pharmacological treatment can reduce part of the depressed mood symptomatology,but has minor effects on psychomotor impairment or physical manifestations.According to recent research,up to 30%of patients with major depression fail to respond to pharmacological treatment and besides combination drug therapy in treating resistant depression have shown no significant results.The clinical pattern of depression corresponds to the TCM "depression syndrome" and its treatment offers a rich variety of protocols proceeding from thousands of years in clinical experience.More recently,clinical trials and experimental research on TCM depression treatment has been extensively carried out by TCM doctors to the profit of its therapeutical efficacy.Purpose of the review:To examine the evolution,in the last ten years, of major depressive disorder'acupuncture treatment according to the eight extra meridian patterns.Methods:This study summarize the documentation relating to the treatment of depression according to the eight extra meridians pattern,comparing effectiveness with acupuncture treatment,considering point selection and needling techniques as opposed to antidepressants.Results:1.Prevalence of point selection on DuMai and/or RenMai,for clinical treatment,has been consistent with classical medical literature emphasizing on the role of DuMai.Some authors integrate points from the eight extra meridians, 2.Different methodology are described as standard acupuncture, electroacupuncture,warming needles or combining standard acupuncture with massage,point ionophoresis,cupping or herbal medicine.However electroacupuncture remains most widely used in clinical practice.3.Electroacupuncture action1) Shows a therapeutic results identical to fluoxetine,maprotiline, or amitriptyline but with minimum side effects.2) Combined with antidepressant has a better response on MDD than single treatment with electroacupuncture or antidepressant.3) Is is significantly effective in the treatment of MDD and in reducing side effects,resulting from pharmacological treatment.Summary:1.The positive response of acupuncture in treating MDD indicates that its extensive application would be beneficial.2.Because of its effectiveness in treating MDD,electroacupuncture has the major therapeutic potential.3.Selective treatment with points located on the eight extra meridians has shown their efficacity and DuMai,which connects directly with the brain holds a key position in the treatment.Du Mai points located on the head have a "regulating action on the mind and Qi" conferring them a direct role in "mental disorders"...