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If this question were posed in a conventional doctor’s office today, one may receive an answer such as: Major Depression or Manic Depression or even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), among other differentiations. But if you are suffering from depression and asked your Chinese Medicine Practitioner: ‘what type of depression do I have?’, you would get a very different kind of answer. Here, we will look at the ways depression can manifest from a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) perspective.

If you or someone you know is dealing with depression, one or more of the patterns described may be relatable and help increase your understanding of the individualized TCM approach to recovery.

*With any TCM breakdown of patterns, it is important to note that we are all dynamic creatures, not always fitting into neatly divided categories. Our health experience represents an interplay of forces, so while we may lean towards one type of pathology, we may find ourselves in multiple categories and also changing patterns as we heal.

Stagnation Patterns

Liver Qi Stagnation
If your experience of depression has an overriding tone of frustration, your liver may be the main culprit. The liver has the important job of maintaining a smooth flow of qi in the body. If it is compromised and fails to achieve this, feelings of irritability and being ‘stuck’ can predominate. When taxed the liver will often ‘attack’ the digestion leading to stomach pain, belching, diarrhea and/or constipation.

Qi Stagnation Turns to Heat
If qi stagnation is left untreated, more severe issues can arise. One way we recognize this is when we see signs of qi stagnation with additional signs of heat. This can manifest as more extreme versions of the initial qi stagnation symptoms, such as irritability flaring to “hot-tempered” outbursts of anger, or digestive issues like heartburn or constipation becoming more disruptive. Also as ‘heat rises’, we may see a red face and red eyes accompanied by headaches and tinnitus.

Qi Stagnation with Phlegm Accumulation
If the qi can not move smoothly through the body assisting in the transport of nutrients, fluids, and toxins, we get buildup. This can look like what we call ‘phlegm accumulation’ and can feel like a lump in the throat, or a feeling of irritability with sluggishness. Other signs include weight gain, thick tongue coat, and growths such as lipomas. Phlegm can also disturb the ‘shen’, the consciousness or spirit that resides in the heart. This can play out as manic behaviors, such as witnessed in schizophrenia or bipolar depression.

Deficient Patterns

Heart/Spleen/Lung Qi Deficiency
We can look at these organs separately but also as a group when it comes to depression.The picture they paint together when depleted is one of sadness and anxiety, simultaneously restless and fatigued. Forgetfulness and insomnia point to more heart deficiency. Spleen signs could be more digestive with a tendency to worry a lot. Sadness predominates in Lung qi deficiency. The lungs are responsible for immunity so the more grief we carry the more immune issues we may face. These 3 deficient organ patterns often go hand in hand, and can make for a miserable day-to-day experience for a patient suffering with this type of depression.

Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire
Patterns of deficiency are often at the root of chronic cases of depression, and especially a deficiency of yin: the cooling, calming, restorative energy of the body. A lack of cooling energy allows for what is called “empty fire” or heat due to deficiency. This translates to restlessness, anxiety, palpitations, night sweats, dizziness, and an achy weak back and knees.

To help break down your diagnosis further by someone who can appreciate the complexity of your health experience, schedule your next acupuncture session at (218) 724-3400 and enjoy Heidi’s treatment that honors your unique balance.

In the West, until very recently, Depression has been oversimplified and described as a chemical imbalance, mainly of the neurotransmitter Serotonin. In actuality, there appears to be no link between measurable serotonin concentration and depression. The ‘chemical imbalance’ theory fails to recognize the complexity of our human systems. There is such a dynamic interplay of chemical and physiological forces throughout the brain and body that affect our moods and how we perceive life. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) theory sees this in terms of energy balancing. The energy balance is affected by many factors, including stress, sleep, exercise, diet, genetics, physical and emotional trauma, toxins and pathogens. Basically, anything that can disrupt the natural flow of the qi (energy) of the body can be a factor in the development and prognosis of Depression.

In the Western world, depression, characterized by episodes of sadness, irritability and loss of interest, is generally treated with medication, talk therapy, or both. However, as many as 34% of those with depression don’t improve with medication or therapy and as many as half will experience depression again despite ongoing treatment. The severity of this disease is highlighted in the fact that over 700,000 people worldwide (at least 45,000 within the US alone ) die due to suicide every year.

Commonly prescribed medications boost the concentration of neurotransmitters, like serotonin, in the brain, based on the premise that the rise in neurotransmitter levels will lift the depression. However, improvement only comes after weeks on the drugs, not immediately as it would if it were the direct result of chemical concentrations. New theories suggest that the anti-depressive effects of these medications are actually a result of nerve growth and new neural connections, a process that takes weeks. In fact, animal studies have shown that antidepressants do provoke new nerve cell growth and connections. So it seems one key in the treatment of depression is the stimulation of neurogenesis: creating new pathways for information exchange.

While these medications show some benefits for this reason, they come with a price. More than half of the people who take antidepressants report side effects such as headaches, dizziness, brain fog, weight gain, sleep disorders, sexual, digestive and skin issues among others. Even suicidal thoughts can increase from both the introduction of antidepressents as well as the challenges of withdrawal.

Meanwhile, TCM practitioners focus on the bigger picture of energy balance. They take a very individualized approach to healing, recognizing that every person is unique and changing. They recognize the stagnation that causes depression can have numerous causes and the way it affects each person can vary. Qi stagnation mainly affecting the liver can cause strong feelings of anger and irritability. People with more anxiety and insomnia may have qi stagnation patterns affecting the heart or spleen. Chronic cases of depression are often related to a deficiency of yin: the cooling, calming, restorative energy of the body.

Acupuncture is just one of the tools TCM practitioners use to help correct qi flow. It has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative to antidepressant medications. In one study, patients felt an improvement in their mood and quality of life after only a few weeks of acupuncture treatment, whereas patients on antidepressants took longer to experience similar benefits.

Recently, several studies suggested that acupuncture may promote neurogenesis. This can explain one mechanism for acupuncture’s ability to treat depression and give lasting benefits. Also, Chinese herbal formulas have dramatically fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals, and their safety and effectiveness is also supported by scientific research.

Holistic practitioners also offer diet and lifestyle guidance to address the triggers and resulting imbalance that sets the stage for depression. Lasting healing requires a multi-dimensional approach and with increasing access to this type of guidance and the right tools, such as acupuncture and herbal therapies, we can look forward to a happier, healthier population.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, get help today and be sure to incorporate acupuncture into your healing journey to stimulate neurogenesis and boost your body, mind and spirit! Call us at (218) 724-3400 to schedule an appointment.

Sources:
1 Neuroscience News Article
2 WebMd Article
3 Suicide Info
4 Harvard Health Publishing Article
5 Drugs.com Article
6 Pubmed Article
7 Europe PMC Article
8 PubMed Article
9 Frontiers Article

Now is the time to take your autoimmune disorders more seriously, especially with the threat of COVID and other viruses. We may be able to help. Give us a call today at (218) 724-3400 or stop by. We are conveniently located on 205 W. 2nd Street, Suite 502, in Duluth, MN.

Your immune system is what keeps you healthy and helps you ward off pathogens like the flu or a cold. Most of us don’t spend a lot of time worrying about our immune system until we’re sick. Then we reach for the over-the-counter medications to help relieve our symptoms. But the fact of the matter is that we can take control of our immune systems naturally. There are many ways to boost the immune system. Let’s explore some of the options available.

1. Don’t smoke.

   Smoking lessens the body’s immune system and actually makes you more susceptible to infections. Smoking destroys antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants fight off free radicals. When the body is overcome by free radicals, the immune system becomes compromised and diseases can develop. If quitting smoking is a goal, look into acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture helps thousands of people quit smoking every year and it can help you too.

2. Eat a well-balanced diet.

   The immune system functions best when it has the proper
   building blocks. Proper nutrition keeps the cells in the body healthy and allows the immune system to do its job effectively. Micronutrients like zinc, iron, copper and selenium are vital for the immune system to function. When these nutrients are missing, disease may develop. Micronutrients are found in abundance in vegetables and fruits. This is why it is recommended to eat at least five to seven servings of fruits
   and vegetables daily. Also including probiotics in the diet is extremely beneficial. The link between a healthy gastrointestinal tract and the immune system is undeniable. Daily ingestion of fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir have been shown to improve the overall health of the gastrointestinal tract. And when the gut is healthy, the immune system functions better.

3. Manage stress.

   Emotions were once thought to be of no consequence on the body’s health. But now it is becoming more evident that emotions can play a huge role in how the body functions,
   including the immune system. When the body is stressed, disease can occur. So finding ways to manage stress are very beneficial to the body. Meditation is just one way stress can be managed and it takes little time or money to accomplish. As little as 10 minutes per day can boost the immune system and keep
   the body healthy.

4. Exercise regularly.

   Just as eating a well-balanced diet can keep the body functioning
   properly, so can regular exercise. Exercise promotes healthy circulation, which can then allow the immune cells to do their job more efficiently.

5. Do some deep breathing.

   Deep breathing is a very old tradition thought to have been
   around for thousands of years and tightly associated with yoga and meditation. Deep breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing is very simple to do and it is believed to actually help control the body’s sympathetic nervous system. This is the system that partially controls the immune response within the
   body.

6. Take in some sunlight.

   Sunlight provides vitamin D. When vitamin D is insufficient,
   respiratory infections can take hold and they are much harder to get rid of. Just 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight, without sunscreen, is enough for most people. During the winter months though, artificial light may be necessary to get the needed exposure.

7. Get acupuncture treatments.

   Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and it is a
   wonderful way to boost the immune system. There are several acupuncture points that help boost the immune system. One in particular is along the large intestine channel. The point is large intestine 11. It is located at the outer end of the elbow crease, when the arm is flexed. Acupuncturists use this point frequently when a person comes in with an illness because large intestine 11 is a great immune-boosting point.

As stated, there are many ways to naturally boost the immune system. The examples given are just a few.

No matter what though, make sure to take care of the immune system before

Acupuncture is part of an ancient medical system known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is commonly used to treat a multitude of ailments in adults and is gaining popularity among pediatrics. There are licensed acupuncturists who specialize in treating children and are in high demand. These pediatric acupuncturists are helping children where others can’t and for many, it is lifesaving.

Most kids, as well as a lot of adults, are afraid of needles. So the pairing of acupuncture and kids might not be an obvious one. However, more and more parents are seeking alternative methods of treatment for their children. This is because our conventional medical system is faltering a bit. Pharmaceuticals are proving to be more harmful than beneficial for many, especially kids. And with the bodies and brains of children still being developed, who can really blame a parent for wanting to find an alternative to drugs with adverse side effects?

Parents are turning to acupuncture because it provides a safe resolution of illness, while also preventing future illnesses. This happens because acupuncture and acupressure stimulate the body’s ability to restore and heal itself. Our bodies are fully capable of fighting off disease and healing injuries when the right tools are provided. Acupuncture not only stimulates the immune system, but also relaxes the nervous system and regulates the digestive and hormonal systems. All of these things need to be in balance for the body to heal.

Kids are more prone to getting sick because their immune systems are still being built. Children also tend to be more susceptible to bacteria and viruses because of their immature immune systems. For some kids, school can create added stress that taxes the immune system. There are a lot of factors involved when it comes to staying healthy. This is where TCM can be very beneficial.

TCM approaches illness and ailments from a very different angle. In TCM, wind is one of the six external pathogens that can invade the body and produce symptoms. The external pathogens responsible for the cold are seen as invasions of wind. The body is protected by something known as the Wei Qi (defensive Qi, pronounced “way chee”). The Wei Qi is comparable to the immune system in conventional medicine and acts as the first line of defense when the body is under attack from external pathogens. If the Wei Qi is strong, then the body is capable of fighting off invaders like viruses and bacteria. The Wei Qi keeps the pores of the skin closed and prevents wind from entering.

There are specific acupressure points on the body that can help improve a child’s immune system. There are also other techniques that are used in TCM that may help, like gua sha or cupping. Both of these techniques stimulate blood flow and help remove toxins through the skin, which can boost immunity.

Not only is acupuncture cost effective for treating children, but it is a logical approach to healing their illnesses.