Natural Support for Depression in Portland
Depression can show up in many ways. It might feel like sadness that won’t lift, or it might creep in as tiredness, disconnection, or a kind of flatness that touches everything from how you sleep to how you move through the day.
At Inner Sanctuary Wellness in Portland, we offer care that honors what you’re going through. Using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and body-based support, we help you reconnect with yourself gently and without pressure. No fixing. No rushing. Just steady care to help you feel more like yourself again.
How Acupuncture Can Support You
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), depression is often seen as a kind of stuckness. Your body’s energy might not be flowing well, or you may be worn down in ways that affect your mood and body at the same time.
Acupuncture can help by:
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Triggering the release of feel-good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin
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Boosting blood flow to areas tied to emotion and energy
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Helping your nervous system calm down and rebalance
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Supporting better sleep and digestion
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Helping you feel more grounded, present, and connected
Some people come to acupuncture after other treatments haven’t helped much. Others find it works well alongside therapy or medication, adding another layer of support.
Common Symptoms We See
Depression doesn’t always look the same. You might come in feeling:
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Sad or heavy, like things are harder than they should be
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Tired all the time, or just not motivated
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Restless at night or sleeping way more than usual
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Tense, weighed down, or shut down
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Detached from your emotions, or easily irritated
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Off in your digestion or appetite
We also care for people who are dealing with medication side effects or want a natural option that reaches a bit deeper than just symptom relief.
What to Expect from Treatment
We start with a real conversation space for you to share your story without being rushed or judged. From there, we might suggest:
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Weekly acupuncture sessions to help with mood, energy, and stress
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Herbal remedies that support your sleep and nervous system
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Light bodywork to help ease emotional tension in the body
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Breathing tools or grounding practices you can use between visits
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Coordination with your doctor or therapist, if that feels helpful
You’ll always be in charge. Our acupuncturists are trauma-informed and trained to follow your lead.
Depression and the Body
More and more, we understand depression as something that involves the body, not just thoughts or feelings. It often reflects a nervous system stuck in “shut down” or “freeze” mode.
Acupuncture helps gently shift that pattern, bringing back a sense of safety, movement, and emotional connection. Many people feel clearer, more awake, or simply more “here” after a session.
Is Acupuncture Safe for Depression?
Yes. Acupuncture is considered a safe way to support mental and emotional health, especially when done by trained professionals. You can use it alongside talk therapy or medication.
Most people feel calm and relaxed after a session. Some may feel a little tired or emotional, that's normal and usually short-lived.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Depression can be isolating. It can make even small things feel impossible. But you’re not alone. And you don’t have to fight it by yourself.
If you’re ready for support that meets you where you are, we’re here. Book your session or reach out with questions we’re happy to talk about.
Other Health Conditions We Treat At Inner Sanctuary Wellness
Services We Offer To Help You Heal
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Can gentle bodywork be combined with acupuncture or herbs?Yes. We often recommend combining bodywork with acupuncture, cupping, or herbal medicine for a well-rounded approach to wellness.
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Will I feel sore after getting gentle bodywork done?Most clients feel relaxed or lighter. Some feel emotional or tired, which is part of the body's integration process. There is typically no soreness.
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Is gentle bodywork like a massage?It’s different in technique and intent. While massage works on muscle tissue with pressure, gentle bodywork focuses on the fascia, breath, and nervous system.
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Do I need to undress for the gentle bodywork session?No. Gentle bodywork is typically done fully clothed. Wear something comfortable and flexible.
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Do I need multiple sessions?That depends on your goals. For acute issues, one or two sessions may be enough. For chronic patterns, regular treatments yield the best results.
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Can I exercise afterward having cupping?It's best to rest or do light movement after your session to allow your body to process the effects. Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours.
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How long do the cupping marks last?Typically 3 to 7 days. The darker the mark, the more stagnation was present in that area.
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Is cupping painful?Most people find it deeply relaxing. A slight pulling or tightness is normal, but discomfort is rare and adjusted immediately.
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Can I wear makeup after getting Gua Sha treatment?After facial Gua Sha, it's best to let your skin breathe for a few hours. We apply a nourishing serum post-treatment to soothe and hydrate.
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Will Gua Sha leave bruises?Not exactly. The marks (known as sha) are different from bruises and indicate stagnant blood or fluids moving toward the surface. They are not painful and fade quickly.
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How many Gua Sha sessions will I need?Some clients feel results after one session, while others benefit from a series. For facial Gua Sha, weekly treatments for a month may offer the best cosmetic benefits.
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Does Gua Sha hurt?Gua Sha is usually gentle and relaxing. On tight or stagnant areas, you may feel a slight pulling sensation, but discomfort is minimal and always adjustable.
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Is this like Western herbalism?There is overlap, but Chinese herbal medicine is more diagnostically precise and formula-driven. More like prescription care than casual supplement use.
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Do the herbs taste bad?Some do, some don’t! But we’ll work with your preferences, capsules and tinctures are great options for sensitive taste buds.
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Are there side effects taking Herbal medicine?Side effects are rare and usually mild (such as temporary digestive changes). We monitor you closely and make formula changes as needed.
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Can I take herbs with my medications?In most cases, yes but we always check for contraindications first. Safety first.
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Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?Absolutely. Acupuncture works beautifully alongside physical therapy, counseling, massage, and more.
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Is acupuncture safe?Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols.
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Is Acupuncture painful?Most people feel little to no pain, just a tiny pinch or pressure that quickly fades.
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Will insurance cover it?I am in-network with the following insurance companies: Blue Cross/Regence Aetna CareOregon Triwest (Veteran's Affairs) United PacificSource Moda (effective 2/25) Kaiser foundation health plan of the northwest (Intel) I am not in-network with the rest of Kaiser, which includes Kaiser OHP.
Contact Us
Let us know how we can help you
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Saturday
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