Anxiety and Depression in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mood disorders. One in five Australians experience a mental or behavioural condition – estimated at nearly four million. Among those, many are seeking alternatives to anti-depressant medication.
Of course, as an acupuncturist, I am interested in staying on top of recent studies and ensuring I can provide my patients with the most up-to-date information regarding non-prescription treatment options. There are some promising recent studies showing how acupuncture can treat depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as providing clear, biological explanations for the clinical evidence I have seen.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) states, “evidence for the use of acupuncture... to treat anxiety disorders is becoming stronger.” In one example, Reuters Health reported on a study from the University of York, in the U.K. The study recruited 755 people with moderate to severe depression. 70% of the patients were already on anti-depressants and continued on them throughout the study. The study concluded that acupuncture had a strongly positive effect on depression, lowering the depression scale from an average of 16 (out of 27) at the start of the study, to 9 for acupuncture at its conclusion. The benefits lasted three months after treatment had concluded.
So how does acupuncture work?
Fine needles are inserted into certain identified acupuncture points on “meridians” which run throughout the body and correspond to certain organs. Meridians can be thought of as a highway of energy, or “qi” in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is theorized to work by getting rid of the "roadblocks" on this energy superhighway.
When there is congestion on the highway, energy gets backed up. When the meridians are clear (no roadblocks), the qi flows freely. Each meridian “homes” to an organ and each organ has certain associations, such as emotions or body parts. For example, in Chinese medicine, the emotion of the liver is anger. When the qi is blocked, it can cause liver qi stagnation, which can result in anger. It goes both ways, though—when you’re angry a lot, you can block the flow of liver qi.
Western medicine has shown that acupuncture releases endorphins, and activates natural painkillers. Now we see that it affects other biological functions as well. Chinese medicine sees acupuncture as improving functioning by correcting blockages or imbalances in the organs.
I have seen patients whose anxiety-induced rashes almost disappear in two treatments. I have also seen acupuncture significantly reduce anxiety and stress as well as improve depression. It’s important to note that most of these conditions require an initial treatment protocol of eight or more sessions. Once a significant improvement is reached, you can then move to a maintenance schedule.
How can we make sure we support our system to relieve anxiety?
Although receiving acupuncture treatments from a professional acupuncturist is the optimum way to relieve stress, DIY acupressure will provide some relief until you are able to schedule your professional treatment. The following pressure points are the best suited for stress relief:
1. Hall of impression point (Yintang)
The hall of impression point lies between your eyebrows. Applying pressure to this point is said to help with both anxiety and stress.
To use this point:
Sit comfortably. It can help to close your eyes.
Touch the spot between your eyebrows with your index finger or thumb.
Take slow, deep breaths and apply gentle, firm pressure in a circular motion for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Heavenly gate point (Shen Men)
The heavenly gate point is located in the upper shell of your ear, at the tip of the triangle-like hollow there. Stimulating this point is said to help relieve anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
To use this point:
Locate the point in your ear. It might help to use a mirror.
Apply firm, gentle pressure in a circular motion for two minutes.
3. Shoulder well point (Gallbladder 21)
The shoulder well point is in your shoulder muscle. To find it, pinch your shoulder muscle with your middle finger and thumb. This pressure point is said to help with relieving stress, muscle tension, and headaches. It can also induce labor, so don’t use this point if you’re pregnant.
To use this point:
Find the point on your shoulder muscle.
Pinch the muscle with your thumb and middle finger.
Apply gentle, firm pressure with your index finger and massage the point for four to five seconds.
Release the pinch as you massage the point.
4. Union valley point (Large Intestine 4)
You find this pressure point in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. Stimulating this point is said to reduce stress, headaches, and neck pain. Like the shoulder well point, it can also induce labor, so avoid this point if you’re pregnant.
To use this point:
With your index finger and thumb, apply firm pressure to the webbing between the thumb and index finger of your other hand.
Massage the pressure point for four to five seconds, taking slow, deep breaths.
5. Great surge point (Liver 3)
The great surge pressure point is on your foot, about two or three finger widths below the intersection of your big toe and second toe. The point lies in the hollow just above the bone. This pressure point may help to reduce anxiety and stress. You can also use it for pain, insomnia, and menstrual cramps.
To use this point:
Find the point by moving your finger down straight down from between your first two toes.
Apply firm, deep pressure to the point.
Massage for four to five seconds.
6. Inner frontier gate point (Pericardium 6)
You can find the inner frontier gate point on your arm, about three finger widths below your wrist. Stimulating this point may help to reduce anxiety while also relieving nausea and pain.
To use this point:
Turn one hand so your palm faces up.
With your other hand, measure three fingers below your wrist. The point lies here, in the hollow between the tendons.
Apply pressure to the point and massage for four to five seconds.
In order to receive the full benefit of an acupressure session, it is important to do some simple stretching and breathing exercises before each acupressure session.
Get the most out of your acupressure by combining it with professional acupuncture sessions.
*illustrations by www.hannaa-a-artist.com.au
