Anxiety & Depression

For over 2000 years Chinese Medicine has viewed the mind and body as so deeply connected that one cannot be treated without considering the other. Emotions are said to "live" in particular areas and systems of the body. Balance and cooperation among these various body systems are essential to good emotional and physical health. Depression and anxiety are two of the most common emotional health issues. Estimates from the National Institute of Mental Health say that almost 28 million American adults experience these two conditions, either together or separately. Chinese Medicine approaches both diagnosis and treatment with its emphasis on the whole person, seeks to uncover the root causes of emotional health problems, and prescribes unique and individualized treatment strategies to address these causes.

Anxiety

3.3 million people in the U.S. suffer from anxiety, and while there are many supportive and helpful therapists available, psychotherapy may not be enough to relieve the physiological symptoms that occur with anxiety, such as palpitations and cyclical thought patterns. Further, many of the prescription medications available have disruptive and uncomfortable side effects. This is where acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas are especially helpful. Acupuncture can start to relieve symptoms of anxiety even in the first treatment without any harsh side effects.

Meridian Systems (energetic pathways) most associated with Anxiety, according to Chinese Medical Theory:

• the Heart Meridian System is the most closely correlated with all the varied emotional and psychological aspects of human feeling, thought, and expression.  The Heart Meridian houses the Shen, the overarching psychospiritual composite, and through maintaining a routine and rhythmic heart beat and healthy blood, the Heart Meridian provides a stable environment for the Shen. With imbalance, the Shen becomes unsettled, and anxiety can manifest. 
• the Spleen Meridian System's primary roles are to extract the nutrients from our food to make healthy metabolic energy and blood, and to house the Yi. The Yi is the aspect of the spirit/mind that involves thinking, studying, memorizing, and cognitive function. When the Yi is overactive, such as when young adults attend rigorous programs of study or when anyone of any age experiences an unusually stressful situation that requires or induces mental strain, the Spleen becomes weakened and the anxious mind begins to ruminate and worry. Similarly, when the Spleen does not receive a diet of sufficiently nutrient dense foods, the quality of our blood and energy become poor, and we can no longer perform many bodily functions to full capacity. Because of the intricate relationship between the Spleen and the Yi, there is a strong connection between digestive function and mental/emotional activity, which is often seen in such conditions as IBS.

Depression

It has been shown that acupuncture is an effective combined therapy for depression with antidepressants. Acupuncture works by encouraging the body to focus on different points with specific functions that help to bring the body back to its natural energy flow and balance. Acupuncture points can help stimulate the body’s production of endorphins and aid the release of serotonin and dopamine, which can increase one’s mood.

Meridian Systems (energetic pathways) most associated with Depression, according to Chinese Medical Theory:

• the Lung Meridian System is correlated with the emotions of sadness, grief, and sorrow. When there is imbalance in the Lung system, these naturally occurring and healthy emotions become distorted and exaggerated, leaving one with symptoms such as chest heaviness or tightness, fatigue and lethargy, and a lack of motivation.
• the Liver Meridian System governs the free flow of metabolic energy throughout the body. When the Liver Meridian is deficient - which means there isn't enough energy in the meridian to circulate effectively, or when it is excessive - meaning the energy in the meridian is too dense, sticky, or heavy to flow smoothly, a situation of stagnation occurs. The stuck, stagnated energy causes emotional pain, feelings of frustration or irritability, and lack of vision or direction in life.

Manic Depression/Bipolar Disorder

This is a relatively common mental health condition displayed in its classic form by alternating periods of mania - extreme high energy - and deep depression. In the "up" or manic phase, people may sleep little or not at all, speak rapidly, develop grandiose and unworkable plans, and sometimes behave recklessly. In the "down" phase, they may sleep excessively, become suddenly unmotivated, and/or contemplate suicide. There are many varied manifestations of Bipolar Disorder, and because of Chinese Medicine's ability to provide individualized treatment strategies, it is well suited to continually adapt to one's current symptoms as they change in real time. Multiple herbal strategies are also used in coordination with one another to match the the ups and downs of the emotional and physiological cycling that occurs with Bipolar Disorder.