by Dr. Alex Heyne Contributor

4 Ways to Achieve Emotional Balance with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Emotional balance plays a pivotal role in maintaining mental and physical health. Emotional awareness involves understanding, managing, and expressing one’s feelings appropriately. Both are essential as they contribute to stress reduction, improved relationships, and enhanced resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views emotions as interconnected with the body’s organs and physiological pathways, emphasizing the importance of emotional balance for optimal health. In this blog, we will discuss practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and qigong among others that help harmonize the body by promoting emotional well-being alongside physical health.

Understanding Emotional Balance

TCM philosophy posits that specific emotions are associated with various organs and meridians within the body. For instance, anger is linked to the liver, fear to the kidneys, joy to the heart, worry to the spleen, and grief to the lungs. When emotions become imbalanced or excessive, they are believed to disrupt the flow of Qi (life force) and blood, leading to disharmony and potential health issues.

4 Ways to Achieve Emotional Balance with TCM Practices

Acupuncture

Acupuncture plays a crucial role in addressing imbalances associated with emotions. Certain acupuncture points are targeted to influence the organs and meridians linked to specific emotions in TCM.

By skillfully manipulating these points, acupuncturists work to restore the equilibrium of Qi, fostering emotional balance and overall health. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnected nature of the body and emotions, offering a unique and effective avenue for promoting emotional well-being through the balancing of organ function physiological pathways

A 2018 review evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating depression by comparing it with various control conditions, medications, and psychological therapies. The analysis includes 64 studies involving 7104 participants, and the findings suggest the following:

Acupuncture vs. No Treatment/Wait List/Treatment as Usual:

Evidence indicates that acupuncture may moderately reduce depression severity compared to no treatment, wait list, or treatment as usual.

Acupuncture vs. Control Acupuncture:

Acupuncture may be associated with a small reduction in depression severity compared to control acupuncture.

Acupuncture vs. Medication:

Evidence suggests a small benefit of acupuncture in reducing depression severity compared to medication alone.

Acupuncture Plus Medication vs. Medication Alone:

Evidence suggests that combining acupuncture with medication is highly beneficial in reducing depression severity.

Herbal Remedies

TCM utilizes a wide array of herbs with unique properties to address imbalances in the body’s emotions. Herbal remedies are prescribed based on the specific patterns of disharmony identified in an individual.

For emotional balance, certain herbs are renowned for their calming or invigorating effects on the body and mind. For instance, herbs like Rhodiola and Schisandra are recognized for their adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress and promoting emotional resilience.

Meanwhile, herbs such as Jujube seed and Bai Shao (white peony root) are known for their calming effects, beneficial in addressing conditions related to excessive emotions like anxiety and irritability.

TCM practitioners skillfully blend these herbs into personalized formulations, aiming to restore harmony to the body’s organs and promote emotional well-being in a holistic manner.

A 2018 study explored the antidepressant effects of Gan-Mai-Da-Zao-Tang (LWJ), a traditional herbal formula used for treating depression. The formula consists of licorice, wheat, and jujube. Rats were subjected to a forced swimming test after receiving different treatments for 21 days.

LWJ demonstrated significant antidepressant-like effects by reducing immobility time and influencing the concentrations of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Licorice, wheat, and jujube alone did not show significant effects.

This study suggests that LWJ’s antidepressant effects may be attributed to its modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters, offering a potential complementary approach for depression treatment.

Similarly, a 2018 study aimed to assess the risks and benefits of St. John’s wort (SJW) as an herbal remedy for depression, considering the potential contamination of herbal ingredients with pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). PA are found in numerous plants, and their intake can lead to toxic effects.

The analysis relied on existing literature, including a Cochrane Review and depression practice guidelines. The findings suggest that quantified SJW extract is an effective and safe treatment for mild to moderate depression, with fewer side effects compared to conventional antidepressants.

While the hypothetical risk of unwanted PA intake exists, the benefits of treating depression with SJW outweigh this risk, particularly given the absence of quantified cases of death due to PA intake compared to the prevalent occurrence of suicide triggered by depression.

Mindful Movement: Tai Chi and Qigong

Tai Chi and Qigong can nurture emotional stability and overall well-being. These practices seamlessly integrate physical movements, breath control, and mindfulness, promoting the harmonious flow of Qi throughout the body.

By emphasizing slow, deliberate movements and focused breathing, Tai Chi and Qigong serve as dynamic forms of meditation in motion. The benefits of these practices extend beyond physical fitness, encompassing mental and emotional health.

Regular engagement in Tai Chi and Qigong has been associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering a sense of calm and emotional balance. These mind-body exercises not only enhance physical strength and flexibility but also cultivate a centered and tranquil state of mind, aligning with the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

A 2021 study aimed to identify effective interventions for treating depression in college students. The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 44 original studies focusing on different activities, including traditional Chinese exercises. The results showed that these exercises significantly improved depression symptoms and showed a great impact on stress in college students.

Meditation

Meditation often involves mindful breathing, visualization, and focused awareness to cultivate a sense of inner peace and balance. One notable approach is mindfulness meditation, where individuals observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing for greater emotional self-awareness.

Another technique involves guided visualization, guiding practitioners through calming mental images to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being. These practices are deeply rooted in the philosophy that emotional balance is integral to overall health.

By incorporating TCM meditation into one’s routine, individuals can develop a heightened sense of emotional resilience, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with greater calmness and clarity.

Conclusion

In summary, achieving emotional balance involves a multifaceted approach encompassing acupuncture, herbal remedies, mind-body exercises like Tai Chi and Qigong, and meditation practices.

By integrating these diverse TCM practices, individuals can embark on a holistic journey towards overall well-being, recognizing the interconnected nature of their physical, mental, and emotional health.

I encourage a proactive and personalized approach to wellness, inviting you to explore and integrate these time-tested practices into your daily life for a comprehensive and sustainable path to emotional balance.

Watch: 3 Common Acupressure Points Everyone Should Know | A Simple Qigong Exercise to Do Everyday