9 Best Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Methods For Improving Mental Health

We all know how effectively Chinese herbs work to improve mental health. Chinese medicine for mental health has been practiced since ancient years. Do you know some traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) are approved by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)? Chinese medicines can actually be used as complementary therapy methods to improve mental health.

There’s a new evidence-based study that has revealed the psychological benefits of consuming Chinese medicines for treating mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. In this blog, I have listed 9 best Chinese medicines for improving mental health. So, let’s get started!

Some of the well-known benefits of TCM are:

• Enhances mental health
• Helps treat specific negative emotions such as anger, depression, moodiness, and others
• Treats mood issues such as pre-menstrual syndrome, stress, depression, and others

How Does Chinese Medicine Help Address Mental Health Issues?

According to Chinese methodology, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disturb our spirits which causes weaker manifesting powers, an inability to connect with people, feelings of self-loathing and worthlessness, and other problems. When negative energies get stuck in our bodies, they also get negative emotions such as anger, grief, fear, sadness, and others.

Chinese medicine helps people reconnect with their ‘Shen’ (spirit) and helps people develop a sense of self and sense of belonging which directly helps alleviate emotional pain. Chinese medicines for the improvement of mental health have gained popularity recently due to welcoming positive effects. TCM can be really effective for treating mood disorders.

9 Best Chinese Medicine Methods for Mental Health

Below listed are the evidence-based Chinese medicine methods for boosting mental health:

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment approach wherein thin needles are inserted into specific points of the body to stimulate Qi flow. This technique helps in promoting balance which also enhances overall wellbeing by releasing stagnation. Acupressure is also an effective treatment method for regulating the nervous system through deep relaxation exercises.

For example, acupressure is mostly performed in the auricular points (exterior ear parts) resulting in the stimulation of the vagus nerve which calms the body and improves the digestive system. In TCM, acupuncture is combined with Chinese herbal medicines for efficacy and healing.

2. Acupressure

Acupressure is based on the concept of pressure points that originated in ancient China. In this technique, pressure is applied to specific points on the body. These specific points certainly are connected with the same meridians. This technique helps improve Qi flow which promotes balance and provides energy flow within the whole body. Pressure is generally applied through fingers, palms, thumbs, or tools, the pressure applied is mostly firm or gentle (depending on the tolerance level of an individual and the condition being cured).

3. Dietary Therapy

Various studies show that certain foods can have a positive impact on mental health. In such studies, TCM principles are also involved which states having a balanced diet with nourishing and supporting foods can enhance overall wellbeing. TCM dietary therapy can help treat specific mood disorders revolving around anger, frustration, moodiness, depression, anxiety, and others.

TCM dietary habits involve the consumption of fresh and recently picked fruits. The theories involved in TCM dietary therapy state that consumption of nicely and freshly cooked meals can enhance Qi which can satisfy the appetite of people. Below listed are some of the well-known and effective Chinese superfoods for improving mental wellbeing:

• Bone broth and bone marrow
• Chestnuts
• Cordyceps
• Fo-Ti
• Goji Berries
• Miso
• Organ Meats
• Reishi
• Rehmannia
• Royal Jelly
• Seaweed

4. Feng Shui

Feng Shui is a well-known Chinese practice known for promoting balance and harmony. This technique is based on creating a comforting space that welcomes positive energy. The theories involved in Feng Shui revolve around placing natural elements in alignment with nature and feeling relaxed and uplifted. Feng Shui often consists of a blue tone which is known for alleviating symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety.

5. Herbal medicine

TCM includes a lot of herbs that can be prescribed according to the needs of an individual. Basically, TCM is all about recognizing different patterns and prescribing herbal medicine according to the issues. For example, in order to treat moodiness or depression, TCM may prescribe herbal medicine tailored to enhance heart and liver functioning.

TCM often uses herbal formulas to improve Qi and heart blood. Common Chinese herbs used are Astragalus Root, Codonopsis Root, Red Ginseng Root, Banxia Houpu Decoction, and others. Below listed are some of the other well-known and effective Chinese herbs for improving mental well-being:

• American Ginseng
• Ginseng
• Goji Berries
• Jujube
• Licorice Root
• Schisandra Berry

6. Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that includes burning dried moxa (mugwort) on specific points of the body (mostly acupuncture points). This therapy was invented in China but can be seen vastly used in Asian countries like Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Vietnam. Moxibustion promotes healing by stimulating circulation.

It also helps in relieving mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and stress. In order to get the help of moxibustion, you can search for a practitioner from a local directory or enroll in online courses that also teach patients how to practice this therapy at home.

7. Qi Gong

Qi gong is a moving meditation technique that was invented in China in ancient times. Traditional Qi Gong theory is based on focusing on a feeling, body part, goal, or emotion where your mind sends it. During this technique, muscles are stimulated which also improves bone, respiration, heart, and other functions of the body. Talking about mental health, Qi Gong can be compared with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps in reducing depressive symptoms, study shows.

8. Tai Chi

Tai Chi is one of the widely known TCM exercises that improve the mind and body connectivity. Tai Chi can be used for treating depression and other mood disorders because this technique also enhances emotional regulation and helps reduce stress levels. Tai Chi involves slow and flowing movements with mental focus and deep breathing exercises.

9. Tui Na Massage

Tuina Massage is one of the oldest Chinese Therapy Massages focused on stimulating acupressure points. It promotes calmness in the mind and body, tightens the muscles to promote relaxation, and improves blood flow. Additionally, it also helps in restoring energetic balance which improves the body and mind connection efficiently.

It helps treat common mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also be used for treating physical health issues such as digestive issues, headaches, and more. A Tuina massage session lasts for 30 to 120 minutes depending on the severity of the disorder and needs of an individual.

Are you willing to try these Chinese medicines for your mental health, comment down and share your views on the same. Also, feel free to add more Chinese medicines by writing to us at Calm Sage!

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Thanks for reading!