A study out of Beijing, China set out to look at individuals with sub-syndromal depression (SSD) and evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), alone or in combination on depressive symptoms.

The researchers took undergraduate students with SSD and allocated to one of four groups, based on which group they preferred. Either the EA, CBT, EA plus CBT group or the untreated control group. The treatments lasted for six weeks.

The results of the study indicated that there were statistically significant improvements in the surveys and a higher remission rate was found in all the treatment groups. Also, EA reduced sleep disturbance scores more than CBT or EA plus CBT, while CBT reduced retardation scores more than EA. EA plus CBT reduced anxiety/somatization scores more than either treatment by itself.

While more studies need to be completed, early intervention through EA or CBT or a combination can help. Each therapy may have differential effects on certain symptoms.

Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.