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16.2 million adults suffer at least one major depressive episode a year. Depression can be linked to the loss of a pet, death of a loved one, a relationship ending, or a loss of a job. For many, periodic bouts of depression can become commonplace, thus making it harder to cope and function normally.
Here are 4 ways you can treat depression with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
For those who experience frequent or chronic depression, there is hope. Acupuncture is a marvelous tool for combating depression without relying on potentially harmful antidepressants. Acupuncture points can be stimulated to help with blood flow and reset the nervous system. If blood flow is impeded, oxygen doesn’t get to the tissues and the cells themselves can become deficient. When there is a deficiency, there is usually some form of depression. This is why many health experts recommend exercise for depression. The increased oxygen and flood of endorphins in the body help fight off the depression itself.
It may seem weird that a diet can help improve one’s mental health, but it’s true. Studies have shown that a diet in Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chards helps in decreasing inflammation, which is linked to depression. Nuts like walnuts have the highest amount of Omega-3 fatty acids than any other plant. One final note on diet, reduce or even eliminate sugar from your diet. Sugars even alternative sugars can greatly affect your mental health.
Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan is an enhanced form of Xiao Yao Wan, a well-known ancient Chinese herbal formula for Liver Qi stagnation. Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan is a commonly used herbal remedy for anxiety, irritability, stress, and depression due to the challenge of daily life or premenstrual tension.
Tai Chi and Qi Gong are also part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and help in fighting depression, naturally. When you practice Tai Chi or Qi Gong daily it will help by bringing the body and mind back into balance by decreasing stress and allowing the person performing it to focus all of their intentions on the movements. This allows the mind to relax, which in turn relaxes the body. Tai chi and qi gong also increase oxygen flow into the muscles, allowing for increased mobility. When we are more mobile, there is less stagnation, pain, and depression.
If you are somebody who suffers from depression and you are looking for natural, ways of fighting depression, maybe give these suggestions a try. If nothing else, it is worth looking into. But most importantly, once you find the right path to correcting depression, follow it. Everybody is different and there is no one right answer. If you have questions regarding how Traditional Chinese Medicine can aid in your depression symptoms, give us a call today!
