By Dr. Mary Lambert, AP, DOM
In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered increasing attention for its potential role in mental health treatment. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, two major components of TCM, offer promising avenues for managing many mental illnesses. This article explores the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture and herbal medicine in addressing mental health conditions, shedding light on their mechanisms and efficacy.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine hairlike needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow or Qi. This stimulation helps to regulate neurotransmitter levels, reducing inflammation, and regulating hormones, promoting a sense of well-being and psychological balance. Research shows that acupuncture may alleviate symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders.
In clinical practice, combining acupuncture and herbal medicine can synergistically enhance treatment outcomes for individuals with mental health disorders. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of health, this integrative approach aims to restore harmony within the body and mind. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, when treating an individual, the practitioner treats the body as a whole. Emotions directly affect the body’s organs, so treating mental health also directly impacts physical health.
Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture in treating depression. Acupuncture sessions can increase the release of endorphins and serotonin, the brain’s happy chemicals, while also reducing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Moreover, acupuncture may enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant medications and mitigate their adverse effects.
Similarly, acupuncture shows promise in managing anxiety disorders. By targeting specific acupuncture points related to relaxation and stress reduction, acupuncture sessions can induce a calming effect and alleviate anxiety symptoms. Moreover, acupuncture may enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
Chinese herbal medicine, another integral component of TCM, employs natural substances such as herbs, roots, and minerals to restore balance and harmony within the body. Chinese herbal formulas are tailored to individual patient needs and complement acupuncture treatments in managing mental health conditions.
Herbal medicine offers a holistic approach to mental health by addressing underlying imbalances in the body. For instance, herbal formulas containing specific adaptogenic (non-toxic) herbs can help regulate the body’s response to stress, thereby reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. They have also demonstrated antidepressant effects by modulating neurotransmitter levels and improving cerebral blood flow.
In a 2018 study by Yan Sun et al, traditional Chinese herbal medication exhibited benefits in addressing depression, particularly post-stroke and post-partum depression. In this study, traditional Chinese herbal medications were also shown to enhance the effects of Western medication for depression and mental illnesses. It is important to say that prescribed medications should continue to be taken and herbal medications can be used in conjunction to enhance the effects.
Traditional Chinese medicine has also been found to treat depression in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Depression is a common symptom of the disease, and in a 2021 study by Si-Tong Feng et al, it was found that TCM and Western medicine in conjunction helped patients with Parkinson’s related depression by 95%.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine offer a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for mental illness, either as standalone treatments or in conjunction with conventional, western medications. It is important to note that you should not stop taking prescribed medication for mental health disorders unless directed by your licensed mental health practitioner. It is also essential to consult a qualified licensed Chinese Medicine practitioner when seeking alternative or conjunctive treatments who can provide personalized plans tailored to the individual’s needs.
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