Most studies on acupuncture for postpartum depression have taken place in China. A 2018 Systematic Review (9) looked at 9 trials involving 653 women who underwent treatment lasting for 4-6 weeks. Generally it found that the participants receiving acupuncture had a higher Effectiveness Rate (defined as “recovery to normal mental status”) as well as higher estradiol levels (it is thought that one possible contributor to postpartum depression is the sudden drop in estradiol hormone after childbirth- therefore if estradiol is higher that may help with symptoms). There was no significant difference in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores or EPDS scores. A second SR performed in 2019 (10) looked at 14 trials with 934 patients. Patients had treatment over 4-12 weeks. Again they found that the groups receiving acupuncture had a significant improvement in Effectiveness Rate, increased estradiol levels and this time an improved HAMD score. 

It’s interesting to note that in the 2019 SR, 6 out of the 14 studies used acupuncture or electroacupuncture in combination with another therapy such as psychological interventions or other Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities (such as moxibustion). When the researchers did a separate analysis excluding these studies, and including the ones that used acupuncture or electroacupuncture only, the improvement in Effectiveness Rate remained however there was no difference in HAMD. There was insufficient data to determine if there was a difference in EPDS score or Estradiol levels.

I must also note that the 2019 SR included data from Manber 2004 (2), which was discussed earlier as it looked at acupuncture for depression during pregnancy. It is unknown why the authors included this in the review of treatment for the postpartum population and I can only assume this was a mistake. Manber 2004 was a small study with 29 participants, but it is unknown how much the study conclusions would change after excluding data from this study.