TCM Depression Treatment Theory
From a Chinese medicine perspective depression is largely related to the stagnation of Liver Qi. Essentially, this indicates that the Qi within the body is not flowing smoothly and results in the symptoms of depression. Some of the common lifestyle habits which may contribute to this are:
- lack of exercise
- poor dietary habits - especially fried foods a/or alcohol
- repressed or overly expressed emotions - especially anger a/or grief
Alongside or as a result of Liver Qi Stagnation, the Heart, Spleen a/or Kidney systems may also be effected. Weaknesses in the Spleen, over the short-term, may lead to problems with fatigue and digestion and over the long-term may lead to problems related to phlegm which can effect the mind in ways such as muddling the thinking. Longer term weaknesses in the Spleen may also begin to effect the quality of blood in the body which can strongly influence the heart system causing symptoms such as insomnia a/or restlessness. The Kidneys, being strongly related to the foundations of Yin and Yang in the body, are also likely to play a role.
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