Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unveils Acupuncture's Impact on Postpartum Depression

Motivation: Acupuncture has received increasing attention for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD), but the biological mechanisms are unclear. Goal(s): Our study focused on the mechanisms of acupuncture-induced changes in brain function in PPD and whether this correlates with improvements in clinical symptoms. Approach: The PPD group underwent depression scale assessment and fMRI at baseline, after 8 weeks of acupuncture, comparing pre- and post-acupuncture data to the HPD cohort. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in HAMD scores and a significant increase in fALFF values of SMG.L in the PPD group after needling, but no correlation was found between the two. Impact: This article offers preliminary evidence for acupuncture's potential in treating postpartum depression and explores brain activity changes using neuroimaging. It has the potential to inspire further research on depression treatment and neural mechanisms, providing new insights for clinical practice.