Innovative approaches to treating depression

An article by Dr Reimar Banis

In another article, we explored the topic of ‘Yoga for Depression.’ Today, we turn our focus to the role that auricular acupuncture and PSE can play in enhancing quality of life as complementary approaches alongside conventional medical therapies for depression.

A Widespread Issue: Depression

Depression has been steadily increasing for years – not only in the USA but worldwide. Between 2015 and 2019, rates of depression rose significantly, and by 2020, nearly 1 in 10 Americans and almost 1 in 5 adolescents and young adults experienced depression within the past 12 months. [1]

The COVID-19 pandemic also had a significant impact on the prevalence of depression, with symptoms of depression in the U.S. being more than three times as common during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. [2]

Supporting with PSE and Auricular Acupuncture

Symptoms of Depression

Depression presents with a wide range of symptoms, which can be categorized into primary and secondary indicators:

• Primary symptoms: These include persistent sadness, lack of motivation, loss of pleasure and interest, irritability, feelings of guilt, and low self-esteem. As a result, everyday life often feels overwhelming and stressful. Many individuals also describe feelings of emptiness and a sense of meaninglessness.
• Secondary symptoms: Physical complaints can also arise, including sleep disturbances, reduced appetite and weight loss, concentration difficulties, diminished libido, headaches, back pain, circulatory issues, or exhaustion. At first glance, these symptoms are not always immediately linked to psychological causes.

Diagnostic methods

The diagnosis of depression relies on the systematic assessment and classification of symptoms.

Diagnostic criteria: To confirm a diagnosis of depression, key symptoms such as a depressed mood or lack of energy must persist for a minimum of two weeks.

Differentiation from normal sadness: Sadness following stressful events is a natural part of life and typically fades after a short time. Depression, however, is more profound and persistent, often accompanied by a sense of inner emptiness that does not resolve without intervention.

An improvement within two months generally argues against depression. Similarly, depression is less likely in individuals who maintain happiness and good self-esteem.

Conventional Medical Approaches

Conventional medical treatment for depression is primarily built on two main pillars:

• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapeutic approaches, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are well-established methods. They help individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns while developing new coping strategies. Depending on the severity of the depression and individual needs, other approaches, such as depth psychology-based therapy or systemic therapy, may also be utilized.
• Antidepressants: Antidepressants are commonly used in the treatment of moderate to severe depression. These medications aim to restore chemical balance in the brain and alleviate depressive symptoms. The choice of medication is tailored to the individual and may be adjusted as needed.

Despite its successes, conventional medicine has limitations in treating depression: not all patients respond to treatment. Additionally, the side effects of antidepressants can significantly affect quality of life.

As a result, both patients and holistic therapists have a strong interest in supportive measures. PSE can play a valuable role by enhancing vital energy and addressing inner blockages.

Supporting Depression with PSE

While antidepressants target the chemical processes in the brain and psychotherapy focuses on changing behavior and thought patterns, PSE operates on the energetic level. From the perspective of PSE, depressive disorders are often associated with blockages in life energy caused by unresolved inner conflicts. These blockages can have a lasting impact on energetic balance and emotional well-being.

Individuals with depression typically exhibit significant changes in their emotional energy levels, which often measure only 10-20 percent of the normal 100 percent. This severe depletion of emotional energy may help explain the feelings of emptiness and meaninglessness commonly associated with depression.

Therapeutic approaches in PSE

A common energetic pattern observed in depression is the so-called ‘anger conflict,’ which manifests in the 3rd chakra. This conflict often appears to contradict the outward nature of the individual: while they may seem particularly empathetic, friendly, and adaptable, the suppressed anger—often deeply rooted in the subconscious—causes a blockage of life energy in the upper abdomen. In PSE, the homeopathic complex remedy Emvita 9 is frequently used to address this conflict, aiming to alleviate and resolve it, along with the associated energy blockage, over several months. Additionally, the chakra remedy Chavita 3 may be employed to help harmonize the 3rd chakra in a targeted manner.

Personalized Customization and Success Monitoring

Since every case of depression stems from unique energetic causes, the administration of homeopathic complex remedies must always be tailored to the patient's current condition. The Reba test provides valuable support in this process by enabling the monitoring of treatment progress and identifying any newly emerging blockages that need to be addressed as therapy continues.

Benefits of PSE in Managing Depression

PSE offers a particularly gentle and time-efficient approach to treating depression. Many individuals report increased zest for life, enhanced energy levels, and improved emotional balance following PSE treatment. Since PSE does not rely on in-depth discussions, it is also suitable for patients who are reluctant to engage in psychotherapy. Additionally, PSE can be seamlessly integrated with other therapies and may even assist in selecting appropriate medications. While PSE is especially effective for mild to moderate depression, it can also provide holistic support in severe cases—typically alongside antidepressants—to help improve quality of life.

Auricular Acupuncture for Depression

A recent study explored the potential of semi-permanent ear needles in alleviating depression. In cases of depression, the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is often disrupted, resulting in symptoms such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and inner restlessness. Ear needles can stimulate the vagus nerve, a central component of the parasympathetic nervous system that regulates vital bodily functions and contributes to emotional stability.

The study results are promising: depressive symptoms improved in approximately 58 percent of participants in the ear acupuncture group, with nearly half achieving remission. While further research is necessary, ear acupuncture shows potential as an intriguing treatment option for depression. [3]

Conclusion: New Perspectives on Depression

Depression poses an increasing challenge for both individuals and the healthcare system. Alongside established conventional treatments, alternative approaches such as PSE, yoga, and ear acupuncture offer promising new avenues for care.

• Holistic Support: PSE enhances emotional balance by addressing energy blockages, providing a gentle and side-effect-free complement to conventional medicine. Ear acupuncture, meanwhile, focuses on harmonizing the nervous system and fostering inner stability.
• Support for Mild to Moderate Depression: Both methods are particularly effective for mild cases of depression, helping to enhance emotional well-being and provide long-term stabilization of quality of life.
• Combinability: Both PSE and ear acupuncture integrate seamlessly with conventional medical therapies.

By combining conventional medicine with complementary approaches such as PSE, yoga, and ear acupuncture, individuals can receive holistic support, helping them regain emotional stability and improve their quality of life.

Resources

[1] Trends in U.S. Depression Prevalence From 2015 to 2020: The Widening Treatment Gap (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9483000/)

[2] Prevalence of Depression Symptoms in US Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7489837

[3] de Oliveira Rodrigues DM, et al.: Efficacy and Safety of Auricular Acupuncture for Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Nov 1;6(11):e2345138. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.45138. PMID: 38032640; PMCID: PMC10690462.