Chinese Remedies for Anxiety - Dr. Alexander Heyne

Stress and Anxiety

Chinese remedies for anxiety have been used for centuries as part of traditional medicine, offering a natural and holistic approach to calming the mind and restoring balance. Rooted in ancient wisdom, these remedies draw on the power of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and mindful practices like tai chi and qigong.

As more people seek alternatives to conventional treatments for anxiety, Chinese medicine provides a gentle yet effective way to manage stress, soothe the nervous system, and promote overall well-being. This blog explores some of the most popular and time-tested Chinese remedies for anxiety, including herbs and acupuncture.

What is Anxiety

In TCM, anxiety is understood as an imbalance in the body’s energy, or Qi, particularly affecting the Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Kidney organ systems. Each of these organs is associated with specific emotions and physiological functions, and their disharmony can manifest as anxiety.

Heart (Xin): The Heart is considered the seat of the mind (Shen) and is associated with joy and sadness. An imbalance, such as Heart Yin deficiency or Heart Fire, can lead to symptoms like palpitations, insomnia, and restlessness, contributing to anxiety (TCM Wellness Principle).

Liver (Gan): The Liver is linked to anger and stress. When Liver Qi becomes stagnant, it can result in irritability, mood swings, and anxiety. Physical manifestations may include headaches and digestive issues (Tongjum Chew).

Spleen (Pi): Associated with worry and overthinking, the Spleen’s imbalance can cause symptoms like fatigue, poor appetite, and digestive disturbances, which may exacerbate feelings of anxiety (Tongjum Chew).

Kidney (Shen): Linked to fear, the Kidneys are vital for growth and reproduction. Imbalances here can manifest as chronic fear or anxiety, along with physical signs like frequent urination and lower back pain (Verywell Mind).

TCM approaches anxiety by diagnosing the specific organ imbalances and addressing them through therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and mind-body practices like Qi Gong and Tai Chi. This holistic method aims to restore harmony and promote overall well-being (MUIH).

In conventional medicine, panic disorders and anxiety are often treated with antidepressants. A Cochrane review in 2018 found the efficacy number to be 7 meaning that 7 patients need to be on antidepressants for one to benefit.

Therefore, many patients experience side effects from antidepressants without the prescribed benefit. These side effects include insomnia, indigestion, headaches, and even anxiety.

Chinese Herbs for Anxiety – Natural Antidepressants

Panic Attacks

Chinese herbal medicine is often associated with fewer side effects compared to conventional pharmaceuticals. These herbs aim to restore balance in neurotransmitters, which can play a key role in the underlying causes of panic attacks. For instance, anxiety is linked to an excess of neurotransmitters, while depression is associated with a deficiency. In both cases, Chinese medicine works to bring neurotransmitter levels back into balance, or homeostasis.

A randomized controlled trial in 2009 evaluated a handful of Chinese medicinal herbs for perimenopausal depression. The researchers found significant reductions in perimenopausal depression in the research arm compared to placebo. Depression scores were based off of the 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a medicinal herb that has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asian countries like China and Korea. It comes from the root of plants in the Panax genus and is believed to have numerous health benefits. There are two main types of Ginseng:

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng): Primarily found in Korea and China, it is often used to boost energy, improve cognitive function, and support the immune system.
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): Native to North America, it is believed to have a calming effect and is used to manage stress and enhance mental performance.

Ginseng contains active compounds called ginsenosides, which are thought to contribute to its medicinal properties. These compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic effects (helping the body adapt to stress). In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng is believed to support overall health, promote vitality, and balance the body’s energy or “Qi.”

Modern research suggests ginseng may help improve cognitive function, boost mood, enhance physical performance, and support immune health, among other potential benefits.

Ginseng is a well-known herbal remedy for depression. One of its compounds, 20(S)-protopanaxadiol, has been shown to have antidepressant effects by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.

In a 2015 study, researchers administered 3 grams of ginseng daily to patients with major depression for 8 weeks. The participants reported a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and notable improvements in the severity of their condition. This suggests that ginseng may have the potential to help restore balance in individuals experiencing depression-related panic attacks.

Sihogayonggolmoryeo-tang (SGYMT)

Sihogayonggolmoryeo-tang (SGYMT) is a traditional herbal medicine formulation. It is used in the treatment of headaches and related symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and neck stiffness. This herbal remedy is believed to work by improving circulation and balancing the body’s Qi, which helps alleviate the discomfort associated with tension and headaches. The formula is composed of various medicinal herbs that work synergistically to calm the nervous system and restore balance.

A meta-analysis in 2019 analyzed the herbal medicine blend Sihogayonggolmoryeo-tang (SGYMT) for post-stroke depression. Analyzing 21 randomized controlled trials with 1,644 participants, the study found that SGYMT, as monotherapy or combined with antidepressants, led to short-term improvements in depressive and neurological symptoms with fewer adverse effects compared to antidepressants alone.

Shugan Jianwei Anshen

Shugan Jianwei Anshen is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to soothe the liver (Shugan), regulate the stomach (Jianwei), and calm the mind (Anshen). This combination of herbs is commonly prescribed for treating various emotional and digestive issues, such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, and indigestion, which are often linked in traditional Chinese medical theory to imbalances in the liver and stomach energies. Specific ingredients and formulations may vary, depending on individual symptoms and practitioner preferences.

A randomized controlled trial in 2013 observed the clinical efficacy of Shugan Jianwei Anshen herbal decoction and acupuncture for depression. Radix Bupleuri and Radix Paeooniae Alba were the main herbs in this decoction. A total of 227 participants were randomized into three groups and treated for 8 weeks.

The acupuncture and medication group showed the highest effective rate at 87.2%, followed by the Western medicine group at 82.4% and the Chinese medicine group at 72.0%. The study concluded that the combination of acupuncture and medication was effective with fewer adverse reactions.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a tree species known for its medicinal properties, particularly in herbal medicine. Its leaves contain flavonoids and terpenoids, which are believed to have antioxidant effects.

Ginkgo biloba is often used to enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and increase blood circulation. Additionally, it may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Research indicates that Ginkgo biloba leaves can inhibit the uptake of key neurotransmitters—dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—in the brain of rats. This inhibition is thought to help reduce anxiety symptoms.

In a 2007 study, researchers investigated the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on anxiety disorders. A total of 107 patients with generalized anxiety disorder or adjustment disorder were randomly assigned to receive either daily doses of Ginkgo or a placebo for four weeks.

The study assessed various symptoms, including anxiety and aggression. Results showed that participants taking Ginkgo experienced a significant reduction in anxiety compared to those on the placebo. Additionally, the participants tolerated the Ginkgo well, indicating its safety for broader use.

Watch: The Three Best Herbs to Fight Depression

Acupuncture for Panic Attacks

Panic

Acupuncture may help alleviate anxiety and panic attacks by promoting relaxation and balancing the body’s energy. It stimulates specific points on the body to release endorphins and other neurotransmitters, which can reduce stress and enhance mood.

Additionally, acupuncture is believed to improve circulation and decrease muscle tension, contributing to an overall sense of calm. Many individuals report reduced symptoms of anxiety and improved emotional well-being following treatment.

When using acupuncture for panic attacks, practitioners focus on directing healthy energy upward and releasing mental stagnation to help balance Qi.

This approach aims to promote overall well-being by addressing the whole body. Many patients report feeling significantly better after their sessions, often leaving with a greater sense of calm and relaxation compared to when they arrived.

In 2013, researchers examined the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating generalized anxiety disorder. Participants received acupuncture treatments once a week for six weeks. The study found significant reductions in anxiety levels before and after the intervention, indicating that acupuncture may be a beneficial therapy for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.

Watch: Why So Many People Have Anxiety and Digestive Problems

Conclusion

In the realm of anxiety and panic attack management, a TCM practitioner can collaborate with you to identify the root causes behind these episodes, whether stemming from anxiety, depression, or other contributing factors.

Moreover, Chinese medicine, encompassing herbal remedies and acupuncture, presents promising avenues for alleviating the signs and symptoms associated with anxiety.

Watch: 3 Adaptogenic Herbs to Reduce Stress and Cortisol