Anxiety - A Western Problem and Eastern Solution
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a manual used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders, anxiety disorders are characterized by the following symptoms:
Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) about a number of events or activities, occurring more days than not for at least six months.
Difficulty controlling the worry.
The anxiety and worry are not due to a medical condition, medication, or substance abuse.
The anxiety and worry are not better accounted for by another mental disorder.
There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Each type of anxiety disorder has its own set of symptoms and characteristics.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), anxiety is considered to be a manifestation of imbalances in:
the body's energy system - addressed with Acupuncture
the physical body (digestive tract, organs, sinews & blood) - addressed with Herbs
the person’s spirit (mind and emotions) - addressed with Meditation practices including Qi Gong and different lineages of seated meditation.
According to TCM, the body's energy, or qi (pronounced "chee"), flows through pathways called meridians. When the flow of qi is disrupted or unbalanced, it can lead to physical and emotional symptoms, including anxiety.
In TCM, anxiety is often associated with imbalances in the heart and spleen meridians. The heart is considered to be the "emperor" of the body in TCM, and it is thought to govern the mind and emotions. The spleen is thought to be responsible for the proper functioning of the mind and the production of qi. When the heart and spleen are out of balance, it can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, worry, and difficulty concentrating.
In TCM, “Spleen Meridian” is different from the “Spleen organ.” A person who has had their Spleen removed still has a Spleen energy channel or meridian. In fact, when working with the energies of the “Spleen” the TCM practitioner is working with all organs related to digestion including the liver, spleen, pancreas, gall bladder, and stomach.
The link between the gut (or what TCM calls “Spleen”) and mental health (or what TCM calls “Shen” or “Spirit”) has been understood for centuries in the practice of TCM. Western Medicine is finally catching on and researching herbal medicine to understand the biochemical actions that are so beneficial to health. A recent study illuminated the mechanisms in the formula Wen Dan Tang (a Gall Bladder decoction) that increases prefrontal extracellular serotonin levels and ameliorates depression-like behaviors in mice!
Anxiety can also be a manifestation of an imbalance in any and all of the other meridian systems too. It is important to note that TCM is a holistic system of medicine that takes into account the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. If you are considering using TCM to treat your anxiety, it is important to consult with a licensed TCM practitioner. They can help you determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs- and that’s where I come in…
TCM practitioners may use a variety of treatments to address anxiety, including acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary and lifestyle recommendations. The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual's unique pattern of imbalances and symptoms.
It is important to note that TCM is a holistic system of medicine that takes into account the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. If you are considering using TCM to treat your anxiety, it is important to consult with a licensed TCM practitioner. They can help you determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs.
Here are some research articles to support using Acupuncture for Anxiety”
"Acupuncture for anxiety disorders" by P. Manber et al. (2008): This systematic review found that acupuncture may be a useful treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, but more research is needed to confirm this finding.
"Acupuncture for anxiety: a systematic review" by H. Smith et al. (2016): This review concluded that acupuncture may be effective in reducing anxiety, but the evidence is limited and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
"Acupuncture for anxiety disorders" by C.M. Smith et al. (2017): This systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture may be effective in reducing anxiety, but the evidence is limited and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
"Acupuncture for anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis" by L. Zhao et al. (2017): This review and meta-analysis concluded that acupuncture may be effective in reducing anxiety, but the evidence is limited and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
It is important to note that these studies have limitations and that more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of acupuncture for anxiety. If you are considering using acupuncture to treat your anxiety, it is important to consult with a licensed acupuncturist and to discuss your options with your primary care physician.