Beyond the Symptoms: Understanding Depression and Treatment Strategies Using Chinese Medicine

Depression is far more than feeling sad. It can affect sleep, energy, concentration, motivation, relationships and the ability to participate fully in everyday life. It is also remarkably common. In Australia, approximately 7.5% of people aged 16–85—around 1.5 million people—experienced an affective disorder such as depression during a recent 12-month period. In the United States, an estimated 21 million adults experienced a major depressive episode in one year, including 14.5 million whose condition caused severe impairment.

Medication remains an important part of treatment for many people. In Australia, 14.2% of people aged 16–85 were dispensed at least one antidepressant medication during the study period. In the United States, 11.4% of adults reported taking prescription medication specifically for depression in 2023. Antidepressants are also prescribed for conditions other than depression, so medication figures do not represent the number of clinically depressed people exactly.

The effects extend well beyond the individual. Mental ill-health has been estimated to cost Australia between $13 billion and $17 billion each year through healthcare costs, reduced productivity, absenteeism and people attending work while too unwell to function effectively. In the United States, the economic burden associated specifically with major depressive disorder was estimated at approximately US$326 billion, with workplace-related costs accounting for a substantial proportion.

These figures highlight the need to explore every safe and responsible avenue that may help people recover.

The presentation will explore how acupuncture and other Chinese medicine strategies may be used to support mood, sleep, energy, emotional regulation and general wellbeing.

This talk will be of interest to acupuncturists, Chinese medicine practitioners, other healthcare professionals, students and members of the public who would like to understand depression from a broader and more individualised perspective.

SPECIAL OFFER

All attendees who purchase a ticket for this event by 30th September 2026 will receive a FREE COPY of the book “Threads of Tradition” authored by Dr Ray Ford.

Beyond the Symptoms: Understanding Depression and Treatment Strategies Using Chinese Medicine

Presented by Dr Ray Ford – Acupuncturist.

Ray is the author of the book “Clinical Aromatherapy” and “Threads of Traditions” – using essential oils on acu – points and Channels and he has just released the app Qi Flow (available on the app store) – a very useful acupressure app that encompasses the breadth and depth of using the points and channels of Chinese Medicine with acupressure.

Ray Ford can be contacted on admin@rayfordacupuncture.com.au