In a society where stress and anxiety have become all too common, it’s easy to feel that we should tough it out and keep pushing forward. However, when these feelings become difficult to manage and start to impact our mental health, it’s important to recognize signs of declining mental well-being. This can manifest as psychological and physical symptoms, such as sadness, low mood, or fear of the future.
As people increasingly explore alternative approaches to mental health, understanding the benefits of traditional supplements like Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can be valuable for individuals seeking support for their mental health, especially in dealing with conditions like depression or anxiety.
TCM is a natural and non-invasive approach to promoting mental health, making it an excellent complement to Western therapies. Various TCM therapy modalities, combined with appropriate changes in diet and lifestyle, can help individuals achieve long-term mental health, offering a more holistic approach to promoting overall well-being.
How TCM views mental stress
The theoretical foundation for TCM’s treatment of mental health issues is derived from the ancient TCM classic, the “Huangdi Neijing” (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), which elucidates that the fundamental nature of all entities is determined by the subtle interactions between opposing forces of yin and yang. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to changes that may manifest as symptoms or signs of illness. For instance, anxiety may result in spleen deficiency, characterized by excessive worry and overthinking.
TCM considers the body and mind to be closely interconnected, understanding that emotions and physical health are intimately linked. Imbalances among the body’s qi (energy), shen (spirit), and yi (mind/intention) can profoundly affect an individual’s overall health. When the flow of qi is obstructed, weakened, or excessive, it not only leads to physical health problems but also contributes to emotional and mental issues. Therefore, improving one’s mental health in TCM involves addressing underlying imbalances in both the body and mind. TCM takes a holistic approach, considering the patient’s general condition, lifestyle, and habits, aiming to restore the balance between yin and yang, thereby enhancing the body’s natural state of health.
Common conditions that may affect mental health
According to TCM theory, emotions and thoughts are directly linked to physical health, and there are several common conditions or life stages that can adversely affect mental health. When facing life stressors or challenges, conditions such as infertility may lead to despair and anxiety, postpartum stress may result in depression or anxiety, and menopause, being a natural biological process, can cause mood swings, hot flashes, and insomnia. Chronic pain, when prolonged and difficult to control, can also contribute to depression and anxiety. All these factors can impact mental health or lead to a decline in mental well-being.
TCM excels not only in treating reproductive and chronic diseases but also in addressing mental health issues, helping alleviate stress at different stages of life, which positively influences mental health. Moreover, TCM’s holistic treatment approach can address any underlying imbalances that might contribute to mental health.
When seeking improvement in mental health at Shanghai Medical Clinic, a Chinese clinic in Dubai, Chinese doctors conduct a thorough assessment and then provide treatment advice. They evaluate the quality of the patient’s qi and blood, examine the patient’s body, and inquire about relevant information such as sleep patterns and bowel movements. This detailed diagnosis helps identify any imbalances in the patient’s body and mind, enabling the formulation of a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
TCM Therapies to Restore Mental Health
Unlike modern medicine, which often relies on medications, TCM employs natural therapies such as herbal medicine and acupuncture to enhance mental and physical well-being. With a history spanning thousands of years in China, these therapies have proven effective in promoting overall health without the risk of side effects associated with conventional drugs.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine helps restore and balance organ functions, promoting overall health by restoring the balance of qi. Some commonly used herbs to support mental health include ginseng, dong quai, and astragalus. While these herbs may not directly affect the brain, they positively impact mental health by enhancing energy, stimulating blood circulation, and combating fatigue.
Acupuncture
This TCM therapy involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate and balance the flow of qi. Addressing liver qi stagnation, for example, can activate the body’s self-regulation system, aiding in balancing emotions and mental health. Research suggests that acupuncture can significantly alleviate certain symptoms, such as post-stroke depression. Additionally, as a natural therapy, it reduces the risk of side effects associated with traditional medications.
Tuina Massage
Chinese Massage Therapy (Tuina), a Chinese therapeutic massage, focuses on specific areas of the body to open meridians, promote the healthy flow of qi and calm the mind and emotions. Tuina incorporates various techniques, such as kneading, rolling, and rubbing, to stimulate acupoints, improve blood circulation, and relax muscles. By regulating the flow of qi, tuina helps relieve stress and anxiety, thereby improving mental health.
Cupping/Gua Sha
Cupping uses suction cups, while gua sha involves scraping tools to create a vacuum effect on the skin and muscles, promoting healthy qi flow. By releasing tension in the neck and back muscles, these therapies can help alleviate physical discomfort and improve sleep quality, directly impacting mental health. Cupping and gua sha have relaxing and soothing effects, aiding in stress and anxiety reduction and further enhancing mental health and overall well-being.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a TCM therapy that involves burning mugwort near specific acupuncture points to stimulate the flow of qi and blood, achieving a balance of yin and yang energies. However, patients prone to excessive anger may avoid moxibustion, as it might add more heat or fire to the body, potentially worsening the condition.
In addition to various therapies, changing lifestyle habits is also a method for promoting mental health. This includes exercising, adjusting your diet, and improving your sleep habits. Changes in diet, practicing various mindfulness techniques, and adopting lifestyle skills can all have positive effects.
TCM’s secrets to improving mental health
- Embrace herbal medicine without fear
Herbs are a vital part of TCM, focusing on restoring internal harmony and coordinating the flow of qi within the body. They can address imbalances and help prevent panic attacks while enhancing overall bodily functions. Unlike Western medicine, which often targets symptoms, Chinese herbal medicine aims to address the root cause of issues, providing a holistic approach to improving mental health.
- Prevention is better than cure
TCM highly values the philosophy of “prevention is better than cure.” The emphasis is on maintaining health and preventing diseases rather than waiting until problems arise before seeking treatment.
—Targeted acupressure
Massaging specific acupoints such as Yintang, Fengchi, Neiguan, Hegu, and Taichong can help improve blood circulation, alleviate tension and stress, and promote relaxation.
– Choose healthier foods
In TCM, there’s a saying, “Food is medicine.” Certain foods are believed to have specific therapeutic effects, such as goji berries, spinach, and sweet potatoes. These foods are considered to nourish the blood and promote healthy brain function.
– Stress management techniques
Stress is considered a significant factor in causing diseases and bodily imbalances. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and tai chi can calm the mind and reduce stress levels.
– Seek professional TCM care
For those experiencing a decline in mental health, professional TCM care is a crucial method for promoting bodily recovery and balance. Considering seeking TCM care as a complementary therapy for comprehensive mental health.
At Shanghai Medical Clinic in Dubai, our registered Chinese doctors offer a variety of treatment methods tailored to each patient’s unique needs and concerns. We specialize in natural and non-invasive treatments such as acupuncture, cupping, massage, herbal medicine, and dietary changes, aiming to help patients achieve long-term health in all aspects of life.
