Abstract

Depression is a disease known since ancient times. Since the 1980's of the last century, acupuncture has offered a new therapeutic range and a large vein of both clinical and basic investigation has been opened. On the other hand, scientists dedicated to neurosciences have developed tools that help to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms underlying depression. We have been continually amazed by the great ability of acupuncture in regulating pathophysiological changes of depression. It potentially participates in modulation of monoamines, transporters, and postsynaptic receptors of these monoamines and other neurotransmitters, the regulation of intracellular signals, post-transcription factors, as well as of other neuropeptides linked to depression and stress. In recent years the clinical research and the study of the action mechanisms of acupuncture in depression is continuing to consolidate this new area of clinical and basic research of integrative medicine, by using several animal models to explore the processes involved in depression, performing randomised clinical trials and is behind the establishment of an effective and safe therapeutic formula based on evidence for the treatment of depression.

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