Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

.Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on neurotransmitters and medications, TCM takes a holistic approach, addressing both the mind and body to restore emotional well-being.

TCM Approaches to Treating Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Acupuncture – Helps regulate the nervous system, balance hormones, and promote relaxation by reducing excess Liver Qi stagnation, a common cause of stress and irritability. Acupuncture also stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, improving mood and emotional stability.

Herbal Medicine – Custom herbal formulas help nourish the Heart, Liver, and Spleen, which play key roles in emotional health. Common herbs include:

• Xiao Yao San (Free & Easy Wanderer) – Used for stress, irritability, and mood swings.
• Gan Mai Da Zao Tang – Calms the mind and is often used for anxiety, palpitations, and insomnia.
• Chai Hu (Bupleurum) – Regulates Liver Qi and lifts mood.

Electro-Acupuncture (E-Stim) – Enhances the effects of acupuncture by stimulating specific points with a gentle electrical current. It has been shown to help with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression by regulating brainwave activity and improving serotonin production.

Exercise (Qi Gong, Tai Chi, & Strength Training) – Movement is essential for circulating Liver Qi and reducing stress. Qi Gong and Tai Chi help calm the nervous system, while strength training improves endorphin production, resilience, and overall mood.

Dietary Therapy – Food is medicine in TCM. To support emotional health:

• Eat warm, nourishing foods like soups, stews, and congee for Spleen Qi deficiency.
• Avoid excessive cold/raw foods if experiencing bloating, worry, or low energy.
• Incorporate green, bitter foods like dandelion greens and citrus peels to move stagnant Liver Qi.
• Reduce caffeine, sugar, and processed foods, which can deplete Qi and worsen anxiety.

Common TCM Patterns in Emotional Disorders

1. Liver Qi Stagnation – Causes irritability, frustration, mood swings, and tension headaches.
2. Heart and Spleen Deficiency – Leads to anxiety, worry, palpitations, and insomnia.
3. Kidney and Heart Yin Deficiency – Results in restlessness, night sweats, and overthinking.
4. Phlegm Misting the Mind – Can manifest as brain fog, depression, and lack of motivation.

By addressing both physical and emotional imbalances, TCM offers a natural, long-term solution for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting overall well-being without reliance on pharmaceuticals.