Bridging the Gap: Managing Anxiety and Depression with Eastern and Western Approaches
(Organ names in Chinese medicine differ from Western medicine’s understanding).
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions in the Western world. The Western biomedical approach views these conditions as disorders of the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, specifically an imbalance in serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Western medicine typically employs a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy to manage these conditions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed medications for anxiety and depression.
However, the Chinese medical approach to anxiety and depression considers the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment. In Chinese medicine, anxiety and depression are viewed as disharmonies in the body’s energy systems, particularly related to the heart, liver, and spleen. The goal of Chinese medicine is to restore balance to the body and mind, which in turn can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
One important aspect of Chinese medicine is the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the vital energy that flows through the body. In Chinese medicine, Qi is believed to flow through channels or meridians, and blockages or imbalances in Qi flow can lead to physical and emotional disharmonies. Treatment approaches in Chinese medicine aim to unblock these channels and restore the proper flow of Qi.
Another important concept in Chinese medicine is the Five Elements Theory, which classifies everything in the universe into five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element is associated with specific organs and emotions. For example, the wood element is associated with the liver and the emotion of anger, while the fire element is associated with the heart and the emotion of joy. By identifying the underlying element and associated organs and emotions, Chinese medicine practitioners can develop personalized treatment plans for anxiety and depression.
Chinese medicine also utilizes herbal remedies to manage anxiety and depression. For example, the herb jujube seed is commonly used to calm the mind and alleviate anxiety, while the herb bupleurum is used to regulate emotions and relieve symptoms of depression. Acupuncture, a technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, can also be effective in managing anxiety and depression by restoring the balance of Qi flow.
It is important to note that Chinese medicine should not be seen as a replacement for Western medicine in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Rather, a complementary approach that utilizes both Eastern and Western approaches may provide the most comprehensive and effective management of these conditions.
In conclusion, anxiety and depression can be managed through both Western and Chinese medical approaches. While Western medicine focuses on neurotransmitter imbalances and employs pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, Chinese medicine considers the body, mind, and environment’s interconnectedness and aims to restore balance to the body’s energy systems. By utilizing both Eastern and Western approaches, patients can receive a comprehensive and personalized approach to managing their anxiety and depression.
References:
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Luo, H., Meng, F., Jia, Y., Zhao, X., Li, X., & Wang, X. (2019). Comparative effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal injections combined with routine medical care for the treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 45, 114-124. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.05.012
MacPherson, H., Richmond, S., Bland, M., Brealey, S., Gabe, R., Hopton, A., … & Watt, I. (2013). Acupuncture and counselling for depression in primary care: A randomised controlled trial. PLoS Medicine, 10(9), e1001518. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001518
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National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Anxiety Disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml.
Registered practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine