In Australia, depression and anxiety are the two most common mental disorders, resulting in enormous suffering and health loss. As a consequence of the high heterogeneity of clinical symptoms and etiologies of depression and anxiety, current single-target antidepressants and anxiolytics have low response and remission rates. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to treat depression and anxiety. A key characteristic of TCM compared to conventional medicine is the emphasis on holism and treatment based on the differentiation of syndrome patterns. The term holism in TCM refers to an understanding of the inter-connectedness of the human body as well as the natural world and social structures. Treatment based on syndrome pattern differentiation entails selecting and implementing specific therapies in accordance with the patients' conditions after TCM doctors have established the treatment guiding principles.TCM is regarded as an alternative or supplementary therapy for depression and anxiety with growing evidence of success because of its many targets and thorough regulation in treating these conditions.
To treat depression and prevent the negative effects of antidepressant medication, Chinese herbal medicines typically control a wider range of cellular pathways and processes. To produce a better therapeutic impact, TCM doctors frequently blend various herbs known as formulae in clinical practice. Traditional TCM remedies for treating mental illnesses include Xiaoyao powder, Yueju tablets, and Ganmai Dazao decoction. With evidence of moderate to high certainty, acupuncture has a moderate or significant impact on mental disorders. For instance, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) patients may experience less risky relief from anxiety and depression when receiving acupuncture-related therapies. Furthermore, patients having surgery for gastric or colorectal cancer benefit from acupuncture's effectiveness in reducing perioperative stress and anxiety.
TCM also emphasizes the relationship between controlling one's emotions and curing disease. According to a study, patients with insomnia who receive conventional care along with mindfulness training for four to twelve weeks noticeably reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Tai Chi and Baduanjin, two TCM mind-body exercise therapies, are also effective in reducing anxiety and depression.
Reference:
Payne, P, and MA Crane-Godreau. "Meditative Movement for Depression and Anxiety." Frontiers in psychiatry 4 (2013): 71.
Yang, X, C Shi, T Bao, and Z Zhang. "Editorial: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Depression and Anxiety." Frontiers in psychiatry 14 (2023): 1217886.
