mental health

Mental Health Treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Today, more and more people are struggling with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a comprehensive approach to these issues, focusing on energy balance and a holistic view of the patient. In this post, we will discuss how TCM can support mental health and which treatments are most effective.

TCM Holistic Approach

TCM is based on the belief that mental health is closely related to the body's energy balance. TCM recognizes various elements, such as Yin and Yang, Qi (life energy), and the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water), which are crucial to maintaining mental health. When Qi is blocked or unevenly distributed, it can lead to emotional and mental problems.

Key TCM Treatment Methods

Acupuncture : This is one of the most important methods in TCM. By inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture helps restore energy balance, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies show that acupuncture can improve mood and support relaxation processes.

Herbal Medicine : Herbs are the foundation of TCM and are used to balance energy in the body. Herbal formulas such as:

Ren Shen (ginseng) : supports endurance and energy.

Suan Zao Ren (sour fruit seed) : improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety.

He Huan Pi (Oriental Plum Bark) : Soothes emotions and stress.

Bai Zi Ren (Cypress Seeds) : Promotes sleep and reduces anxiety.

Tui Na (TCM massage) : This type of massage focuses on stimulating acupuncture points and meridians. Tui Na can help release tension, which in turn reduces symptoms associated with mental health problems.

Qi Gong and Tai Chi : These traditional Chinese practices combine movement, meditation, and breath control to harmonize the body and mind. Regular practice of Qi Gong and Tai Chi can provide stress relief and improve the overall quality of life.

TCM Dietetics : Proper nutrition is key to maintaining energy balance. TCM recommends foods that support Yin and Yang and Qi. The right nutrients can affect mental well-being, so it is worth including foods such as nuts, seeds, green vegetables and soups in your diet.

Additional Recipes to Boost Your Mental Health

Pumpkin and Ginger Soup :

Ingredients : pumpkin, fresh ginger, garlic, onion, vegetable broth, spices (salt, pepper).

Preparation : Fry onion, garlic and ginger, add chopped pumpkin, pour broth and cook until pumpkin is soft. Blend until creamy and season to taste.

Action : Pumpkin has a calming effect and ginger supports the digestive system.

Banana and Spinach Smoothie :

Ingredients : banana, fresh spinach, natural yogurt, honey, water.

Preparation : Blend everything until smooth.

Action : Banana contains tryptophan, which supports the production of serotonin, improving mood.

Acupressure Points for Mental Health

Acupressure is a method that uses pressure on specific points on the body that can help relieve stress and improve mental well-being. Here are some effective acupressure points that you can use:

Yintang (Brow Point) :

Location : Between the eyebrows, in the center of the forehead.

Action : Helps reduce stress and anxiety, promotes relaxation. Press this point for a few minutes, breathing deeply.

P6 (Neiguan) :

Location : On the wrist, about two fingerbreadths above the crease of the wrist, between the tendons.

Action : Helps in relieving nausea and anxiety. Press this point for 1-2 minutes to feel relief.

HT7 (Shenmen) :

Location : On the inside of the wrist, in the groove between the ulna and the radius.

Action : Supports emotional health, helps reduce anxiety and depression. Press for 2-3 minutes, focusing on breathing.

SP6 (Sanyinjiao) :

Location : On the inside of the calf, approximately four finger-widths above the ankle.

Action : Helps in relieving emotional tension and improves the quality of sleep. Use your fingers to press on this point for 2-3 minutes.

LIV3 (Taichung) :

Location : On the back of the foot, between the first and second toes, approximately two finger widths from the base of the toe.

Action : Helps reduce stress and frustration. Press for 1-2 minutes, breathing calmly.

Simple Exercises to Do at Home

Abdominal Breathing :

Sit comfortably, close your eyes and place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Breathe deeply through your nose, feeling your stomach rise under your hand. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat for 5-10 minutes.

Body Stretching :

Stand straight, raise your arms up and stretch your whole body. Then bend a few times to the right and left to relax your back and shoulders.

Seated Meditation :

Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Let the thoughts come and go, do not judge them. Practice for 5-10 minutes daily.

TCM Perspectives in Treating Mental Health Problems

Traditional Chinese Medicine is gaining popularity in the Western world, and its methods are increasingly being integrated with conventional medicine. Cooperation between TCM specialists and traditional doctors is yielding excellent results in the treatment of mental disorders.

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