Depression

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Depression is a common mental health problem that affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. About two thirds of adults will at some time experience depression severe enough to interfere with their normal activities.

Virtually, human beings will suffer from different levels of depression at one point of their life, that’s why depression is also called Common Cold of Mind.

TCM Point of View

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, depression is known as 鬱/Yu Syndrome, which is also known as stagnation. Depression has a lot to do with liver’s dysfunction, its not being able to promote Free Flow of Qi throughout the whole body. This is also very similar pattern to Anxiety or Stress.

Treatment Protocols

Acupuncture/Moxibustion, Herbal Medicine: A growing number of people are seeking alternatives to antidepressant medications, which has side-effects and new research suggests that acupuncture could be a promising option. One new study found the traditional Chinese practice to be as effective as antidepressants, and a different study found that acupuncture may help treat the medications’ side effects.

In acupuncture, a practitioner inserts needles into the skin at points of the body thought to correspond with specific organs (right). Western research suggests the needles may activate natural painkillers/Endorphines in the brain; in traditional Chinese medicine, the process is believed to improve functioning by correcting energy blocks or imbalances in the organs.

Prevention

Self-Love: A lot of emotional disorders such as depression is rooted in lack of Self-Awareness/Love. When feeling depressed, please think about what would be the best options for yourself.