neurosis

 Neurosis – How Can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Help?

Neurosis is a broad spectrum of mental disorders that include anxiety, stress, mood swings, hyperactivity, and difficulty coping with everyday challenges. In TCM, neurosis is viewed as a result of an imbalance in the flow of Qi (life energy), which leads to disturbances in the body and mind. In this article, we will discuss how TCM can help treat neurosis through acupressure, herbs, herbal recipes, and Tai Chi and Qi Gong practices, and how these techniques can be combined with our medicine.

CAUSES OF NEUROSIS IN TCM

In TCM, neurosis is usually associated with energetic disorders, including:

Liver Qi Stagnation : Excessive stress or emotion can lead to Liver Qi stagnation, resulting in irritability, tension, and explosiveness.

Heart and Spleen Qi Deficiency : Neurosis often involves a deficiency of the Heart and Spleen Qi, which can cause anxiety, fatigue, weakness, and insomnia.

Yin and Yang Imbalance : An imbalance between Yin and Yang can lead to states of over-excitability or, conversely, apathy and exhaustion.

METHODS OF TREATING NEUROSIS IN TCM

1. Acupressure

Acupressure is an effective method to help balance emotions and relieve tension. Here are some points to press on:

PC6 (Neiguan) : Located on the inside of the forearm, a few inches above the wrist. This point helps to relieve anxiety and regulates the flow of Qi.

HT7 (Shenmen) : A point on the wrist that supports the Heart Qi, helping to reduce stress and restore calm.

LV3 (Taichong) : A point on the foot between the big toe and the second toe. Supports the flow of Liver Qi, helps to release tension and reduces feelings of irritation.

Regular pressure on these points (about 2-3 minutes a day) can help treat neurosis and bring relief from symptoms.

2. Herbs

In TCM, there are various herbs that help deal with neurosis and support emotional balance:

Chai Hu (Bupleurum) : This herb supports the flow of Liver Qi and helps manage stress and irritability.

Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus jujuba) : Used to treat insomnia and calm the mind, supports the heart Qi and helps relieve anxiety.

He Huan Pi (Albizia bark) : Called "joy bark," this herb is used to relieve depression, excessive sadness, and tension.

Long Gu (Ossis Fossilia) : Helps calm the mind and is used for insomnia and anxiety.

3. Herbal Formula for Neurosis: Xiao Yao San

Xiao Yao San is a classic TCM formula, often used for neurosis, stress and emotional tension. Its main task is to support the flow of liver Qi, nourish the blood and harmonize the Qi of the spleen and stomach.

Xiao Yao San Formula Ingredients:

Chai Hu (Bupleurum) – regulates the flow of Liver Qi.

Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) – supports the balance between the liver and spleen.

Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) – supports blood flow, which is important in states of tension and anxiety.

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) – relieves tension and supports Spleen Qi.

Xiao Yao San formula is available as a powder or tablets. It is always a good idea to consult a TCM practitioner before starting to take the herbs to determine the appropriate dosage.

4. Tai Chi and Qi Gong Practice

Regular practice of Tai Chi and Qi Gong is extremely beneficial for people suffering from neurosis because:

Calms the mind : Regular practice of Tai Chi and Qi Gong helps to calm the mind, which is crucial in the treatment of neurosis.

Reduces stress : These exercises reduce tension and reduce stress through controlled movement and deep breathing.

Increases body awareness : These practices improve body awareness and teach you to focus on the present moment.

Qi Gong Meditation to Calm the Mind

A simple Qi Gong meditation that can help people with neurosis:

Sit or stand comfortably with a straight spine.

Focus on your breathing , taking deep breaths in and out through your nose.

Imagine white light passing through your body, bringing peace and calm.

Let your thoughts flow freely without dwelling on them – focus on the feeling of peace.

Such meditation performed for 5-10 minutes a day can help control the symptoms of neurosis.

5. Simple Recipe – Tea for Calmness

Ingredients:

5 g Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus jujuba)

3g He Huan Pi (Albizia bark)

500 ml water

Preparation:

Boil water in a pot.

Add herbs and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Strain the infusion and drink 1-2 times a day, preferably in the evening.

This tea has a soothing effect on the mind and helps reduce anxiety and tension.

CONNECTING TCM WITH OUR MEDICINE

TCM can be used as a complement to our medicine in the treatment of neurosis. Here is how you can combine the TCM approach with conventional treatment:

Consultation with a doctor : It is always a good idea to inform your doctor about the TCM methods you are using in order to discuss the benefits and safety of their use.

Working with a Therapist : Psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can be an effective complement to TCM in treating anxiety.

Healthy lifestyle : A healthy diet, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity that supports mental health can improve the effects of treatment.

SUMMARY

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers many natural methods to support the treatment of anxiety, including acupressure, herbs, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and meditation. Combining these methods with conventional treatment can provide long-term benefits and help manage tension and anxiety.

Other diseases

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