When you’re suffering from anxiety or depression, it can feel hopeless at times.
You may have heard people tell you “just get over it” or “it’s all in your head” but you know that’s not the case.
If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety or depression, consider Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments as an alternative.
Today we’ll have a look at some of the options available.
What Are Anxiety And Depression?
Anxiety occurs when a person feels levels of distress or worry which are disproportionate to the situation they’re in.
Some amount of anxiety is normal, and expected in life.
But when anxiety is excessive and debilitating, lasting for weeks or months, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Depression is different from just feeling sad.
All of us will experience sadness at times in our lives. However, when those feelings persist for longer than two weeks, combined with feelings of hopelessness and not enjoying activities which used to bring you joy, this is a sign of chronic depression.
Although there are many treatments on the market to assist with feelings of anxiety and depression, naturopathic treatments can be effective as well.
What Causes Anxiety And Depression?
It can be very difficult to pinpoint a precise cause for anxiety and depression.
What might not have any impact on one person, may be the factor which causes another to reach the tipping point for these conditions.
Quite often, there isn’t one issue causing it, but a combination of factors working together.
These might include some of the following:
- A history of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Medications
- Situational factors such as stress from a job loss or break-up
- Genetics
- Substance abuse
- Serious or chronic illness
- Chronic inflammation
What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a set of practices which have been used in China for thousands of years.
If you’ve ever used a ginseng tea or ginkgo biloba supplement, than you’ve used traditional Chinese medicine.
It is based on the idea that the body has a “life force” or “qi” which flows through it, and when the flow of energy is blocked, illness can occur.
While the scientific verdict is still out on the existence of “qi”, many TCM treatments have been shown to be very effective.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments For Anxiety And Depression
TCM treatments can be used for a variety of conditions.
From chronic pain and allergies to acne and weight loss, there seems to be a TCM treatment for just about anything you can think of.
Today we will look specifically at how TCM treatments may be used in cases of anxiety and depression.
1. Acupuncture
You’ve probably heard of this one, even if you’re not quite sure how it works.
Acupuncture uses tiny (sterile) needles placed on the skin to bring balance to the energy flow in the body.
The exact mechanism by which acupuncture provides treatment for pain is unknown.
When used for physical pain, it is thought that it blocks pain signals coming from nerves, or possibly releases pain-numbing chemicals. Similar factors may be at play for its use in anxiety and depression.
2. Ginseng
Ginseng is a perennial plant which grows in East Asia.
A 2017 study in the Journal of Ginseng Research found that ginseng can help to improve the body’s response to stress by regulating the production of cortisol1.
3. Licorice Root
Licorice root comes from a plant which is native to Europe and Asia.
A 2006 a study in the journal of Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry showed licorice root to have antidepressant-like effects in mice2.
Licorice root must be used carefully however.
A 2012 study in Theraputic Avances in Endocrinology and Metabolism warns of potential for hypokalemia (low potassium levels) and muscle weakness tied to overconsumption of licorice3.
If you wish to explore the use of licorice root as a supplement, it’s important to discuss this with your naturopathic doctor and make sure you adhere to recommended dosages.
4. Dong Quai
Dong quai is a plant which grows in the mountains of China, Japan, and Korea.
A 2016 study in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found dong quai to have antidepressant-like effects when used on rats4.
5. Cyomorium Herb
Cyomorium is found at high altitudes in Central Asia and Mongolia.
A 2017 study in the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences looked at its effects in perimenopausal rats, and found it to significantly improve behaviour indicators5.
Book An Appointment With Nardini Naturopathic
Are you suffering from anxiety or depression?
Is the idea of trying Traditional Chinese Medicine appealing to you?
Contact Nardini Naturopathic today to book an appointment with me, Dr. Pat.
I’ll listen to your concerns, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
If you have questions about naturopathic medicine, or you’d like to take your first step into the world of naturopathy, contact us at Nardini Naturopathic, and let’s book an appointment.
Yours in health,
Dr. Pat Nardini, Naturopathic Doctor
320 Danforth Ave suite 206,
Toronto, ON, M4K 1N8
-https://g.page/NardiniNaturopathicDanforth
Dr. Pat Nardini, ND is a licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine in Toronto, Ontario. He offers science based natural health solutions with a special focus on thyroid conditions.