The University of Arizona has conducted a randomised controlled trial of acupuncture for major depression in women. Eight weeks of depression-specific acupuncture treatment was given to 38 women. It resulted in a significantly greater reduction in depression than either non-specific acupuncture, or being on a waiting list. Following specific acupuncture treatment, 64% of the women experienced full remission of their symptoms.
(The efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of major depression in women. University of Arizona, September 1998.)