The author, a psychotherapist, has been integrating the practice of acupuncture into his clinical approach for several years. This dissertation explores and evaluates the value of a knowledge of acupuncture theory and practice for the treatment of mental and emotional disorders. Chapter I states the background for this project and defines basic terms. Chapter II reviews the theoretical orientation particularly Yin and Yang theory including the eight principles and adaption of the theory to differential diagnosis. Yin and Yang are further examined in relation to mental health and Western pathology. Analogies are drawn with the work of Perls, Freud, Reich and Lowen. Chapter II reviews the research on acupuncture for schizophrenia and acupuncture for drug addiction. The number of studies is relatively small with positive aggregate results. Chapter IV discusses the author's utilization of acupuncture and includes a section on the psychological effects of points. Included also is a comparative review of depression and an evaluation of acupuncture and spiritual practice. Chapter V presents seven case studies from the author's clinical practice. All had previous experience with psychotherapy, which they deemed of little value and all responded positively, in varying degrees, to acupuncture intervention. Chapter VI explores the social, political and cultural difficulties in introducing and promoting acupuncture in the West and concludes with five hypotheses on the effects of acupuncture for mental health: (1) Acupuncture is very effective with anxiety states; (2) Acupuncture often is of value in the treatment of depressive states; (3) Acupuncture has positive value in the treatment of paranoid states and related personality disorders; (4) Acupuncture has promise for the treatment of major affective and cognitive disorders; (5) Acupuncture may help control the aversive side-effects of antipsychotic medications. There are two appendices: (A) The Elements of Acupuncture and (B) A Short History of Acupuncture.
