Overcoming Anxiety : A Deep Dive into TCM’s Holistic Healing Approach for Stress and Anxiety

Stress is like a constant companion throughout life’s journey, touching every individual in distinct ways. At different stages of life, stress takes different forms. For example, during adulthood, individuals often grapple with the demands of family, finances, and work. While adolescents are always burdened with academics and social relationships. However, too much stress can lead to mental illness, especially anxiety. Luckily, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a comprehensive approach to tackling stress and anxiety. This article explores TCM’s viewpoint on recognising and alleviating the core causes of these ailments, promoting holistic healing.

The TCM Perspective on Anxiety

In the realm of TCM, anxiety is not seen as a mere abstract concept but rather as a result of intricate imbalances within the body’s energy systems. A healthy flow of vital energy (Qi) and balance between opposing forces (Yin and Yang) are essential for well-being. Anxiety arises when disruptions occur in these energy pathways. These disruptions also can affect your organs, especially the heart, liver, and spleen. This connection comes from the TCM perspective on the relationship between energy, emotions, and organs. Specific emotions are associated with particular organs. For instance, the heart is intertwined with emotions such as joy and sadness, the liver is linked to anger and stress, and the spleen is correlated with worry and overthinking. Imbalances in energy can cause certain emotions to become excessive or stagnant. It influences the related organs and contributes to common anxiety symptoms like rapid heartbeat, restlessness, and digestive discomfort.

Uncovering the Root Cause of Anxiety in TCM

In Chinese medicine concept, every ailment is believed to have a discernible cause. Let’s delve into the holistic perspective that TCM provides on the causes of anxiety and the underlying factors that contribute to these causes:

Liver Qi Stagnation

Anxiety is often associated with the liver in TCM. When the liver’s qi becomes stagnant or blocked, it can disrupt the harmonious circulation of energy, leading to various physical and emotional imbalances. This stagnation is often linked to feelings of irritability, mood swings and emotional tension, which are closely tied to anxiety.

Spleen Imbalances

The spleen and stomach are linked to the digestive system and play a role in transforming food into Qi and Blood. Poor dietary habits, irregular eating patterns and weak digestion can disrupt the balance of these organs, leading to a deficiency of nourishment for your body and mind, contributing to anxiety.

Heart Blood Deficiency

In TCM, our heart is considered the ruler of emotions and houses the spirit (Shen). Blood not only refers to the physical aspect but also encompasses an individual’s emotional and spiritual aspects. When your heart’s blood is deficient, it can lead to restlessness, insomnia, and a lack of joy. If left untreated, this deficiency can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.

Kidney Yin Deficiency

Kidney Yin represents the cooling, nourishing, and grounding aspects of our body’s energy. When kidney Yin becomes deficient due to chronic stress, overwork, or excessive consumption of stimulating substances, it can lead to symptoms such as insomnia, restlessness and feeling overwhelmed. These symptoms align with anxiety in TCM.

TCM Treatments for Anxiety Relief

TCM presents a holistic approach that addresses anxiety disorder’s physical and mental aspects. Here are some of the common treatments used in TCM:

Acupuncture for Anxiety

Acupuncture has been a cornerstone of TCM for centuries, and its effectiveness in managing anxiety has garnered attention in recent years. It operates on the principle that imbalances in the body’s energy flow can lead to emotional distress, including anxiety. The insertion of needles at specific points helps to stimulate your body’s natural healing mechanisms, encouraging the release of endorphins and promoting a sense of calmness. Several specific acupuncture points are commonly utilised to alleviate anxiety:

Yintang

Located between the eyebrows, Yintang is often called the “Third Eye” point. Stimulating this point is believed to help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.

Shenmen

Found on the ear, Shenmen is known as the “Spirit Gate” point. Acupuncture at this point is thought to balance emotions, helping to soothe anxiety and lift the spirits.

Neigua (Pericardium 6)

Situated on the inner forearm, Neiguan is associated with calming the heart and relieving nausea. It is commonly used to ease anxiety and related physical symptoms.

Sishencong

Sishencong or also called “Four Spirit” points, are located on the scalp and are believed to harmonise emotions. They are often targeted to alleviate worry and restlessness.

Herbal Remedies for Anxiety

TCM practitioners often prescribe specific herbal formulas tailored to individual constitutions and symptoms. As part of their approach, they also offer various of Chinese herbs for stress and anxiety, including:

Lavender (Xun Yi Cao)

Lavender, known as “Xun Yi Cao” in TCM, is a herb that has been widely used for its calming and relaxing properties. It is believed to regulate the Qi and calm the Shen. Lavender helps to harmonise the heart and liver meridians, which are closely associated with emotional well-being. Its fragrance is thought to directly impact the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of anxiety and restlessness. Lavender can be consumed as a herbal tea, which allows the aromatic compounds to be released and inhaled while drinking. It also can be found as an essential oil, which can be used for aromatherapy, massages, or added to baths.

Bupleurum (Chai Hu)

Bupleurum is a widely used herb in Chinese remedies, which is well known as “Chai Hu”. It has the ability to regulate Qi flow in the body and harmonise the Liver Qi. This unique property makes it valuable for addressing stagnation and emotional imbalance issues. Bupleurum is available in various forms to suit individual preferences and needs. It can be found in the form of capsules, tablets, or herbal teas.

Polygala (Yuan Zhi)

Polygala, referred to as “Yuan Zhi” is recognized for its potential to calm the mind and uplift the spirit. It is believed to open the orifices of the heart and lungs, releasing emotional stagnation and promoting a sense of calm. This herb can be consumed as a tea prepared from dried Polygala roots or taken as a powdered extract in capsules.

Jujube Seed (Suan Zao Ren)

Jujube seed, also known as “Suan Zao Ren” in TCM, is a popular Chinese herb for insomnia and anxiety. It possesses calming and nourishing properties that make it a go-to remedy for individuals experiencing sleep disturbances and emotional stress. You can enjoy this herb by brewing it into a soothing tea, or you can find it as an ingredient in various herbal blends and formulations.

TCM Dietary Therapy for Anxiety

Beyond traditional methods like acupuncture and herbal remedies, TCM places a strong emphasis on the concept of “food as medicine”. This approach acknowledges that the foods you consume significantly promote health and balance within the body. In the context of managing anxiety, TCM dietary therapy focuses on selecting and preparing foods that can help soothe your mind and spirit. Here are some recommendations:

Balancing Warm and Cold Foods: 

TCM emphasises the balance between warm and cold energies within the body. When managing anxiety, opt for warm, cooked, and easily digestible foods. Warm foods, such as soups, stews, and herbal teas, can help promote a sense of comfort and grounding.

Nourishing Yin

In TCM, Yin represents the cooling and nourishing aspects. Incorporate Yin-nourishing foods like leafy greens, cucumbers, and watermelon. These foods are believed to have a calming effect on your body and mind.

Harmonizing Qi:

Qi imbalances can contribute to anxiety. Choose foods that promote the smooth flow of Qi, such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric. These ingredients are thought to support digestion and energy circulation.

Avoid Stimulants

You should reduce or avoid stimulants like caffeine and sugar. These substances can potentially worsen anxiety by excessively stimulating your nervous system. Instead, opting for an increased water intake is recommended to promote a smoother experience.

Conclusion

TCM offers a holistic and impactful approach to healing by targeting energy imbalances, nurturing emotional well-being and integrating techniques such as acupuncture, herbal remedies and dietary adjustments. Embracing these time-honoured practices can set us on a transformative path towards alleviating anxiety and reinstating harmony in our lives. If you seek herbal health supplements rooted in TCM to address stress and anxiety effectively, consider exploring Tong Jum Chew. Our extensive range of supplements is designed to assist you in this endeavour. Let the power of ancient wisdom guide you towards a state of tranquillity in today’s hectic world.