TCM recognises five broad types of mental health problem:
depression
insomnia
panic attacks
manic depression
psychosis.
It's possible for very different causes to produce symptoms of these mental health problems, and so they can require quite different approaches. Practitioners may also vary in their choice of treatment, according to the person, the particular circumstances and the range of symptoms, but it may be along any of the following lines.
Depression
Depression may be regarded as a Liver Stagnation syndrome. TCM believes that the Liver system has a particular role in governing emotions. Unresolved problems in work and daily lives may result in unhappiness, causing malfunctioning of the Liver and particularly of its qi (energy), which can then lead to depression. The two most common causes of this Stagnation are a blockage of the energy channel and a malfunctioning of the Organs involved in mobilising qi. In women, this may lead to irregular periods, PMT or pain before or during a period. The treatment for depression therefore focuses on revitalising the Liver qi. The common herbs used are thorowax root, curcuma root and albizzia bark. (See below for more information.) Acupuncture can also be effective in mobilising the Liver qi.
Insomnia, panic attacks or manic depression
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that this group of mental health problems can come from a malfunctioning of the Heart (the Organ that includes the nervous system). This may be due to mental overload, or to a weak constitution following a long illness. As a result, the Heart can become Deficient. When the Heart is undernourished, it causes problems such as panic attacks and manic depression.
The Heart is also closely involved in sleep. If blood in the Heart system is Deficient in some way, this may cause insomnia, frequent night waking or difficulty in getting back to sleep. In some people, blood deficiencies can result in palpitations, or both insomnia and palpitations. These may also be responsible for memory problems.
Treatment would normally focus on nourishing the Heart and calming the spirit. The common herbs used are lilyturf root, Chinese senega root and jujube fruit. There are also acupuncture points used to help with nourishing the Heart.
Insomnia and panic attacks
These problems can be associated with Heart and Kidney yin Deficiency. Too much hard work, physically and mentally, can be the cause. The balance of yin and yang become disrupted and the excessive yang affects the Heart, causing insomnia and panic attack. Treatment would concentrate on replenishing the yin, by using herbs.Acupuncture points can be utilised to redress the balance of yin and yang.
Phlegm can mean more than a build up of mucous in the nose and throat. Phlegm Heat can accumulate in the body over time, as a result of alcohol abuse or dietary imbalance. Heat, once formed, can disrupt the Heart, causing a range of problems, including insomnia, panic attacks and psychosis. Herbs that clear Heat and dissolve Phlegm include mandarin peel, tabasheer of bamboo and lotus plumule. Acupuncture could also be employed.
