Mental Health + Acupuncture
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine has been found to be successful in treating emotional disorders including anxiety, depression and PTSD. Acupuncture can also help people who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Addictive behaviors are related to brain chemistry and acupuncture can be utilized as an effective treatment for symptoms of withdrawal and as support for the mental and emotional aspects of recovery from addiction. Neurological disorders that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s can create feelings of anger and frustration. Many people who are living with these and other serious chronic illnesses also suffer from depression. When a health condition impacts a person’s quality of life every day, it can feel defeating and exhausting both mentally and physically.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the principle that mental /emotional and physical well-being are strongly interconnected and that optimal health, both mental and physical are regulated by balancing and strengthening the organ function within an individual. According to Traditional Chinese medicine, each of the five emotions are associated with a corresponding element and organ in the body:
1. Spleen/ Element Earth/ Emotion Excess Worry
The spleen plays an important part in the body's immune system and acts as a blood filter, removing impurities from the body. It is also responsible for food digestion and nutrient absorption, helping in the formation of blood and keeping blood in the blood vessels. Symptoms of a spleen imbalance include lack of energy, loss of appetite, poor digestion, abdominal distension, loose stools, weak muscles, pale lips and bruising easily. In Chinese Medicine, the spleen is associated with the emotions of excessive mental worry, dwelling, or focusing too much on a particular area.
2. Lung/ Element Metal/ Emotion Grief
The lungs are responsible to bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide. They also play an important role in the body’s immune system, regulate sweat glands, body hair and providing moisture to the skin. Symptoms of lung imbalance include shortness of breath, sweating, fatigue, cough, frequent cold and flu, allergies, asthma and other lung conditions, dry skin, depression and excessive crying. In Chinese Medicine, the lung is associated with the emotions of detachment, sadness or grief.
3. Liver /Element Wood/ Emotion Anger
The liver is responsible for digestion and the processing of nutrients, regulating bile secretion and the storage of blood. In TCM, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of blood and energy within the body while nourishing tendons, nails and eyes. Symptoms of liver imbalance include distension, menstrual pain, headache, irritability, inappropriate anger, vivid dreams, tendonitis, dizziness or eye issues. In TCM, the liver is associated with emotions of anger, resentment, frustration, irritability and bitterness.
4. Heart/ Element Fire/ Emotion Joy
The heart is responsible for regulating the blood vessels, pulse and blood circulation throughout the body. In TCM, the heart houses the Shen (or one’s spirit) and the Shen influences an individual’s vitality and disposition. Symptoms of heart imbalance include insomnia, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, disruptive sleep, poor memory and concentration and psychological disorders. In TCM, the heart is associated with joy but an imbalance can be expressed as either too much (agitation or restlessness) or too little (depression). Imbalances may manifest as other emotions such as ack of enthusiasm and vitality, mental restlessness, depression or insomnia.
5. Kidney/ Element Water/ Emotion Fear
The kidneys are responsible for removing waste and excess fluid in the body. In TCM, the kidney is responsible for reproduction, growth and development, water metabolism and respiration. The kidneys are associated with the health of bones, teeth, ears, and head hair. Symptoms of kidney imbalance include frequent urination, urinary incontinence, night sweats, dry mouth, poor short-term memory, low back pain, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, premature gray hair, hair loss, and osteoporosis. In TCM, the kidney is related to fear, which can manifest as chronic fear or anxiety, insecurity or weak willpower.
When emotional disturbances occur, it is critical for a TCM practitioner to locate the imbalances within the organ system that may contributing to a person's mental health condition, establish a differential diagnosis and create the proper treatment gong to return the body to a state of balance.
Acupuncture point prescriptions will be created based on individual constitution and organ imbalances but it is always a good idea to utilize points that will calm the Shen. When combined, three acupuncture points in the wrist can greatly help with stress, anxiety depression and trauma. Together, they are called Buddha’s Triangle. They are Heart 7 (HT7), Pericardium 6 (PC6) and Lung 9 (LU9). When needled they form the shape of a triangle.
HT7 helps to calm the spirit, or (mind) as well as help with insomnia, talking during sleep, poor memory, mania-depression, dementia, sadness, fear and fright, disorientation and grief. HT7 greatly helps to address heart related emotional issues.
PC6 helps to relieve oppression of the chest, regulates the heart and calms the mind. It also harmonizes and helps to heal the stomach and alleviates nausea, vomiting and clears heat. This point doesn’t just help with digestive issues but helps with the emotional aspect of the gut. The pericardium speaks to how we relate and express ourselves to others in life.
LU9 tonifies the Lung and transforms phlegm as well as promotes the descending function of the lung. We can control our nervous system and relieve acute stress with deep breaths, but many people find it hard to do “breath work” in the moment of stress and many more people are in a constant state of breathing shallow.
There are numerous other acupuncture points, which help with the psycho emotional aspect of life such as GV20 and Ear Shen Men.
Additionally, Chinese Herbal formulas can also be very helpful such as Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, Shu Gan San or Ban Xia Hou Pou Tang. In some cases a custom formula may be prescribed by your acupuncturist depending on your diagnosis and/or presentation. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a division of the National Institutes for Health, suggests that St. John's wort is more effective than a placebo for treating mild to moderate depression. However, St. John's wort can also interact with other medications, herbs and supplements so check with your doctor before taking.