Lifestyle Considerations and Self-Help for Depression

Lifestyle factors play an important role in a persons health and modifications are commonly recommended by acupuncturists. In the case of depression, Chinese Medicine considers exercise to be of great importance. As depression is often linked to a stagnation of Liver Qi, movement and the circulation of energy within the body will help to resolve this stagnation. With the energy of the body flowing more smoothly, the corresponding symptoms related to Qi stagnation should improve. Simple exercises such as walking and riding a bicycle are often helpful, as well as Chinese exercises such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

From a TCM dietary therapy perspective one should avoid foods which cause and/or contribute to Liver Qi Stagnation such as fried foods, excessive meat intake and alcohol. Instead one should concentrate on more wholesome foods, especially those which are beneficial to the Liver from a Chinese Medicine viewpoint. These include such foods as cabbage, apples, cucumbers and watercress along with foods which clear Qi stagnation such as onions, black pepper and ginger.

According to Five Element theory, the Liver is related to the emotions of anger and frustration. It may be helpful, then, to look at how you express anger and frustration, including repressing these emotions and/or having difficulty in controlling their expression.