Depression syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine: concept, expression and conditioning

Depression syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine refers to a type of illness caused by poor emotions and stagnation of qi. It mainly manifests as depression, fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, and loss of appetite. Its core pathogenesis is "stagnation of liver qi", which partially overlaps with depression and anxiety in Western medicine, but traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the overall view of qi and blood imbalance. The main content is divided into three parts:Cause and pathogenesis(emotional internal injury, organ imbalance),clinical manifestations(emotional, physical symptoms) andConditioning method(Drugs, acupuncture, emotional therapy). The following will expand one by one.

Cause and pathogenesis: Imbalance between emotions and Qi and blood

Depression syndrome is often caused by long-term worry, anger, and excessive stress, which leads to liver failure and qi stagnation. Liver stagnation can further affect the heart and spleen, forming syndromes such as "liver stagnation and spleen deficiency" or "liver stagnation transforming into fire". "Huangdi Neijing" states that "all diseases are caused by Qi". Zhang Jingyue of the Ming Dynasty clearly divided depression syndrome into six depressions: "Qi depression, blood depression, and phlegm depression" in "Jingyue Complete Book" in the Ming Dynasty. The fast pace of modern life and the complexity of interpersonal relationships make it easier to induce such problems, which require intervention from both physical and mental aspects.

Clinical manifestations: coexistence of emotional and physical symptoms

The symptoms of depression are diverse. Emotionally, irritability, suspicion and worry can be seen; physically, chest and hypochondrium pain, belching and sighing, and irregular menstruation in women are common. Severe cases may develop into "Meiheqi" (feeling of a foreign body in the throat) or "Zangjiang" (hysteria-like attack). "Yi Zong Jin Jian" of the Qing Dynasty records: "Stagnation syndrome is mostly caused by liver qi being uncomfortable, which turns into fire and damages yin over time." It is necessary to pay attention to the identification of organic diseases, such as thyroid dysfunction or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Conditioning methods: comprehensive treatment and daily maintenance

Traditional Chinese medicine treats depression syndrome mainly by soothing the liver and relieving depression. Commonly used prescriptions include:Xiaoyaosan(Reconciling liver and spleen),Bupleurum Soothing Gan Powder(regulate qi, relieve pain). Non-drug therapies include acupuncture (selecting acupoints such as Taichong and Neiguan), auricular acupuncture and Daoyin techniques (such as Baduanjin). It is recommended to maintain a regular schedule and drink rose, tangerine peel and other tea substitutes appropriately. Some Chinese patent medicines such asShugan Jieyu Capsules(Manufacturer: Kanghong Pharmaceutical) can also be used as an auxiliary, but it must be followed the doctor's advice.

Summary: Treating body and mind together is the key

Depression syndrome reflects the concept of "integration of form and spirit" in traditional Chinese medicine, and treatment needs to take into account both emotional relaxation and physical conditioning. Mild cases can be relieved by lifestyle changes, while severe cases require a combination of medication and psychological intervention. It is worth noting that depression syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine is not the same as depression. If symptoms persist, you need to seek professional evaluation. Maintaining an open-minded attitude and cultivating interests are the fundamental ways to prevent depression syndrome.

Quote sources:
1. "Huangdi Neijing" - Pre-Qin medical classics
2. "The Complete Book of Jingyue" - written by Zhang Jingyue in the Ming Dynasty
3. "Yizong Jinjian" - compiled by Wu Qian and others in the Qing Dynasty
4. Kanghong Pharmaceutical official website—Instructions for Shugan Jieyu Capsules