Acupuncture and bipolar: Does it work?

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood and energy levels. Finding an effective treatment that helps stabilize moods without troublesome side effects can be challenging.

Growing research suggests acupuncture may be a promising complementary therapy when combined with standard bipolar medications.

Some researchers believe that acupuncture may help people with bipolar disorder by modulating their stress response.

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What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves stimulating specific points on the body, typically by inserting very thin needles into the skin. This is thought to activate the body’s natural healing abilities and restore balance and wellbeing [1].

In TCM philosophy, health reflects a harmonious flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways called meridians. Blockages or imbalances in qi can lead to illness. By inserting needles at strategic acupoints along the meridians, acupuncture aims to remove obstacles and restore smooth qi flow.

What is bipolar?

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to think clearly. These moods range from periods of extremely high energy and activity (mania or hypomania) to periods of sadness and low energy (depression).

The two main types of bipolar disorder are:

Bipolar I disorder: This type is diagnosed when a person has had at least one manic episode. A manic episode is a period of abnormally high energy, activity, and mood that lasts for at least seven days and is severe enough to require hospitalization or to significantly impair a person’s life. People with bipolar I disorder may also experience depressive episodes.
Bipolar II disorder: This type is diagnosed when a person has had at least one manic episode and one hypomanic episode. A hypomanic episode is a period of abnormally high energy, activity, and mood that lasts for at least four days and is less severe than a manic episode.

a person applying acupuncture needle on client s forehead — Photo by Antoni Shkraba on Pexels.com

How Might Acupuncture Help with Bipolar Disorder?

Though the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, studies suggest acupuncture impacts areas of the central nervous system tied to regulating emotions [2]. The stimulation of acupoints is believed to trigger the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine as well as endogenous opioids.

By influencing these key signaling chemicals in the brain and spinal cord, acupuncture may help:

Alleviate depressive symptoms
Lessen manic episodes
Improve sleep
Reduce anxiety

This can support better mood stability in those with bipolar disorder.

What Does the Research Say?

A growing body of clinical studies provides evidence that acupuncture may offer real benefits for those with bipolar disorder:

A meta-analysis of 8 studies with over 800 bipolar patients found combining acupuncture with pharmaceutical treatment significantly improved response rates compared to medication alone [3].
Multiple trials reveal acupuncture can reduce both physical and psychiatric symptoms, lessen side effects of mood stabilizers, and improve quality of life [4].
Brain imaging confirms acupuncture impacts regions involved emotional processing and regulation [5].

While more research is still needed, these results highlight the potential of acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment. When combined with conventional therapy under medical supervision, it may improve outcomes.

Also read:

close up shot of a man with a needle on his face — Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Is Acupuncture Right for Me?

Acupuncture is considered very safe when performed by licensed acupuncturists. It also offers a drug-free way to potentially find relief from bipolar symptoms.

That said, acupuncture should not replace medications prescribed by your doctor. It’s best used as a complementary approach alongside standard treatment. This combined approach may enable lowering medication dosages and enhance stability.

If struggling with bipolar disorder or other mental health issues, consider exploring acupuncture alongside counseling and pharmaceutical options. Finding the right combination of therapies tailored to your unique needs offers the best chance at managing symptoms long-term.

The Bottom Line

Early research reveals acupuncture can beneficially impact emotional regulation in the brain. When combined with typical bipolar medications, it may improve mood stability and help address troublesome symptoms. Though more studies are warranted, acupuncture appears a promising complementary therapy for better management of this complex disorder.