How to Treat Depression Through Chinese Medicine
For people suffering from clinical depression, the prolonged use of pharmaceutical treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can create undesirable side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers treatments for clinical depression that are natural and have significantly fewer negative side effects. TCM is an ancient healing system that uses acupuncture, herbs and other natural treatments to heal the body. Follow these steps to find out how.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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Understand how traditional Chinese medicine views depression. It holds that depression is caused by a stagnation of Qi (pronounced "Chi") within the liver. Qi is your body's fundamental energy. Visit the Yin Yang House's page on depression to learn more (see Resources below).
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Learn about the traditional Chinese view of the body. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that there are vital energy pathways in the body, called meridians, that regulate the flow of energy. Impeded energy flow and disharmony within the body are at the root of all diseases.
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Talk to an acupuncture specialist. He can suggest treatments that will unblock your meridian pathways, allowing the free flow of energy through your body. It's believed that this improved energy flow will, in turn, relieve your depression symptoms.
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Know the theory behind Chinese herbal treatments. They're used to correct fundamental disharmonies within the body. Chinese medicine most frequently treats depression through herbal therapy.
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Consult a qualified Chinese herbalist. He or she will be able to suggest herbal treatments that will stimulate and release the Qi that has built up in your liver.
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Improve your diet to treat your depression. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that a poor diet high in fried, fatty foods contributes to Qi becoming clogged in the liver.
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Drink less alcohol. Chinese medical practitioners insist that overindulgence in alcohol facilitates the onset of the symptoms of depression.
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Exercise more. Vigorous physical activity stimulates the Qi in your body, forcing it to move through the Meridians. TCM holds that physically active people stand a better chance of defeating their depression symptoms.
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Tips & Warnings
The cost of consulting a qualified practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine is fairly inexpensive, comparable to the cost of a visit to a regular medical clinic.
Seek immediate attention from a qualified mental health professional if you have thoughts of suicide or experience overwhelming depression. Don't use Chinese herbal treatments as a substitute for professional care.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.
