Treating Depression Using Traditional Chinese Medicine
By Bindi Zhu, M.D. (China) Ph.D. (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
It is normal to experience temporary bouts of sadness, irritation, or disappointment, but prolonged periods of excessive depression may signal a more severe condition. Sometimes, a single event can trigger depression, such as the death of a loved one.
Dr. Zhu uses a combination of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to help treat anxiety and depression. TCM treatments can be used in conjunction with modern methods such as antidepressants and talk therapy. However, if you are currently taking medication prescribed by your physician, do not stop unless otherwise directed.
Whether it is anxiety from a new job or a worry you can’t seem to control, Dr. Zhu can help you find alternative ways to find relief. Patients usually see results in two to three treatments. Dr. Zhu has been helping patients with their grief and anxiety issues in Austin for over 20 years and is excited to help you reach your mental health goals.
What is depression?
We experience joy and sadness as part of our experience of everyday life. Sorrow often results naturally from defeat, trauma, catastrophe, and loss. Losing a loved one through death, divorce, or a breakup often produces grief and bereavement.
Depression, a feeling of prolonged sadness following a recent loss or other sad events, can last months or even years. Depression that occurs after a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one, is called situational depression. Depression that occurs without a particular precipitating effect, or endogenous depression, may have a genetic component.
Physical diseases can cause depression directly or indirectly. For example, thyroid or hormonal imbalance would be considered a direct cause. Pain and disability due to surgery or arthritis might indirectly cause depression.
Conventional treatment options
Antidepressants are heavily utilized today to treat depression. Antidepressants work by altering the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which in turn affects your emotions and state of mind. Other treatments include talk therapy, psychotherapy, and electro convulsant therapy. Severe cases of depression, such as those with suicidal tendencies, may respond best to conventional therapies in combination with Chinese medicine.
If you receive treatment for depression from a physician, you should continue to do so until you are released from their care. Stopping medication can have severe consequences and should only occur under the supervision of your physician.
Traditional Chinese medicine treatment options
Chinese medicine originates from experimentation with medicinal substances derived from plants, animals, and other mineral sources. Chinese Medicine also utilizes pressure points, exact points of varying sizes, called acupuncture points. Empirical evidence collected from these experiments combined with Daoist and Confucian philosophy produced the body of knowledge that today we call Traditional Chinese Medicine. TCM utilizes the combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs to help with anxiety and depression.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture increases qi’s free flow in the body, opens meridians, and promotes blood circulation to maintain qi’s free flow. By doing so, the “obstruction” or stagnation is removed, and mood improves.
The effects of acupuncture on depression are still being studied today. A study was published in 2003 showing that endorphins are released during acupuncture. As a result, acupuncture can be effective in treating pain, headache, and even depression.
Chinese herbal medicine
A variety of Chinese herbs are used to treat depression. Each case of depression, mood disorder, etc., is treated according to Chinese medicine diagnosis and differentiation of syndromes.
Differentiation of syndromes, a term used for a collection of symptoms, states that even within the same “disease,” each stage (e.g., pre-menopause, menopause, post-menopause) will have a different treatment. Also, each individual presents their symptoms in a way unique to their body’s constitution. For example, when treating depression, traditional Chinese medicine subdivides the disorder further into four different types. The corresponding treatment will differ for each presentation, even within those four categories.
One popular and effective formula, Free and Easy Wanderer Powder (xiao yao san) and its derivatives, has had tremendous success for mild forms of depression, stress, and anxiety. Other types of depression might require a custom formula made by mixing herbal powders and pouring them into capsules. Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years.
Should you consider treating TCM depression treatment?
Dr. Zhu has been treating depression for over twenty years in the Austin area. Most patients start to see results after two or three treatments. Dr. Zhu believes a combination of eastern and western medicine can give the best results. If you are currently being treated, Dr. Zhu will work with you and your physician to come up with a treatment plan that is right for you.