Scientific research studies suggest that TCM is a viable complement to Western medicine for keeping the blues at bay.
For over 3,000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has addressed disorders of Shen (The Spirit).
As the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) explains, “When the shen is disturbed, manifestations might include a feeling of lack of meaning in one’s life, an inability to connect to other people, feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing, lack of energy, and feeling inauthentic, among other things.”
When the Shen is disturbed, Qi (the energetic force in the body and cosmos) becomes stuck. This lack of smooth Qi causes emotions to also become stuck in unpleasant places, such as fear, anger, or grief.
TCM resolves mood dysregulation by “reconnecting” the spirit with the deepest sense of our self, and with something larger than ourselves, by guiding the Qi to move more smoothly, alleviating feelings of being stuck emotionally or spiritually.
This concept involves using incense, chanting, voice therapy, sound therapy, and visualizations to help move out of stuck energy. Certain TCM herbs can vaporize phlegm. This is an important mechanism because phlegm causes Qi stagnation and disturbs Shen.
Despite the myriad of TCM herbs and formulas, TCM always treats the individual and not the disease. “The treatment is really based on the individual. It’s like making a beautiful meal: the points and herbs work synergistically to create something that is larger than the individual ingredients.”
Chai Hu is the namesake herb in two TCM formulas for mood. There’s Chai Hu Shu Gan, which resolves Liver Qi stagnation.
In addition, Chai Hu may support cognitive function during stressful times, thanks to the formula, Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li.
There are acupressure points and TCM herbs that may be very useful for many people. One such point is Kidney(1) or Gushing Spring.
Interestingly, certain TCM herbs that are common for treating wounds may be useful for mood. “The thought is that the spirit can be wounded just like the physical body,”
“There are points and herbs that can help open our eyes so we see the world differently and that can help calm our fears, or give us the will to face the world.”
Because of global stressors over the last few years, an ever-increasing number of people are experiencing crises of disturbed Shen.
Chinese herbal formulas should not be considered a one-size-fits-all panacea for mood regulation. However, these well-studied, centuries-old botanical decoctions may offer an effective natural adjunct solution. When combined with Western interventions, a healthy diet, exercise and stress management, and other TCM modalities such as acupuncture, and Chinese herbs for mood may help you reconnect with your Shen.
