Xinhua News Agency, Yinchuan, August 19 (Special Report by Cao Jian and Zhang Qin) The saying goes, "Spring brings drowsiness, autumn brings lethargy." According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, as autumn temperatures drop and nature becomes desolate, people's spirits also tend to wane, making autumn a peak season for depression.Hu Yuhua, associate chief physician at Ningxia Medical University Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, noted that besides medication and psychological counseling, acupuncture also yields favorable results in treating depression. She explained that acupuncture regulates neural functions through meridian therapy. A typical course lasts 10 days, with two to three courses generally achieving recovery.Hu Yuhua explained that Western medicine typically treats depression with medication, which is effective but carries risks of dependency and potential neurological side effects with long-term use. In contrast, acupuncture primarily works by regulating the body's own neural functions, making it a "green therapy" for depression. Physically, depression often manifests as headaches, insomnia, and similar symptoms.Hu Yuhua noted that due to the fast pace of modern life, the number of depression patients is increasing. However, many sufferers in China hesitate to acknowledge their condition due to various concerns. He likened depression to a "mental cold," explaining that most people may experience such "mental colds" several times in their lifetime. With timely treatment, the majority recover quickly.