Basic and clinical research on acupuncture for post-stroke depression: A narrative review

Table 2 Comparative efficacy and advantages of acupuncture therapies for post-stroke depression

Modality	Primary clinical applications and efficacy	Key advantages
Pure acupuncture	Alleviates core depressive symptoms; improves neurological function and daily living activities	Foundation of TCM treatment; addresses both root (deficiency) and branch (excess) causes
Electroacupuncture	Improves mood, cognition, and cortical excitability; offers sustainable short-term results	Combines TCM with electrical neurostimulation for potent effects
Specialty acupuncture techniques
Scalp acupuncture	Targets emotional brain regions; effective for emotional regulation and neuronal recovery	Highly targeted based on neuroimaging; provides sustained stimulation to specific areas
Auricular acupuncture	Provides durable antidepressant effects; improves overall quality of life	Minimally invasive with high compliance; allows for prolonged stimulation (e.g., with beads)
Comprehensive therapies
Acupuncture + herbal medicine	Rapid improvement in neurofunction; addresses complex TCM patterns like phlegm-stasis	Synergistic multi-target approach (anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic, gut microbiome)
Acupuncture + moxibustion	Supports neurological recovery and improves cognitive function	Adds a warming and tonifying effect, ideal for deficiency patterns
Acupuncture + music therapy	Improves mood and sleep; reduces depressive and gastrointestinal symptoms	Holistic approach that integrates sensory stimulation to regulate emotion and physiology
Acupuncture + rehabilitation training	Improves psychological resilience, neurofunction, and long-term outcomes	Integrates physical neuromodulation with behavioral/cognitive training for comprehensive rehab

TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine.