Depression is more than just a low mood—it’s a hidden illness of the mind, often called the “cold of the soul.” —a condition that silently affects millions of people worldwide. While modern medicine recognizes it as a serious mental health condition, many people still misunderstand or dismiss it. As a result, countless individuals suffer in silence without receiving the support they need. Depression can lead to physical illness or even self-destruction, ranking it among the three major diseases of the century—alongside cancer and AIDS.
Therefore, more and more individuals are seeking natural, drug-free ways to treat depression. Fortunately, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – a time-tested, holistic approach that addresses the root causes of emotional imbalances – offers a holistic and highly effective approach to treating depression, especially when conventional treatments fall short.
In this blog, we’ll explore how TCM treats depression with different techniques involved (like acupuncture and Herbal medicine), and why it’s a powerful alternative for patients struggling with mood disorders, especially in menopausal and postpartum stages.
Understanding Depression from a Different View: Western Medicine & TCM
From the perspective of modern medicine, depression is often seen as a chemical imbalance in the brain. Among them are the classic neurotransmitter hypothesis (lack of monoamine transmitters in the brain) and the neuroendocrine hypothesis (dysfunction of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis). The onset of depression is also closely related to genetic factors.
In TCM, it views depression as an emotional disorder rooted in imbalances in the body’s internal systems—especially the liver, spleen, and heart meridians, as well as qi and blood flow. The condition is known in Chinese medicine as “Yu Zheng” (郁症), typically caused by liver qi stagnation and poor circulation.
Common TCM Causes of Depression:
Liver Qi Stagnation – Leads to emotional repression, chest tightness, irritability, and insomnia.
Spleen Deficiency – Results from overthinking or worry, causing fatigue, poor appetite, and digestive issues.
Heart Deficiency – Caused by anxiety or trauma, leading to insomnia, palpitations, and emotional instability.
Qi and Blood Deficiency – Weakens the body and spirit, contributing to long-term fatigue and depressive mood.
Can Chinese Medicine Cure Depression?
Yes. TCM has shown excellent results in managing and even curing depression, depending on the individual’s condition and treatment consistency. Rather than just masking symptoms, TCM works to restore internal balance, enhance the body’s natural healing, and improve emotional well-being. Treatment typically involves acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tuina massage, and dietary therapy, offering a gentle, non-addictive solution with minimal side effects.
Top 5 TCM Treatments for Depression
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Acupuncture for Depression
Acupuncture helps restore balance to the nervous system and improve the flow of qi. Key points like GV20 (Baihui), HT7 (Shenmen), and LV3 (Taichong) are known to calm the mind, relieve stress, and improve sleep. Scientifically it can reduce cortisol and boost serotonin levels.
Herbal Medicine
TCM herbal formulas are non-addictive, gentle, and tailored to each patient. These herbs support both emotional and physical healing. Herbs used for depression include:
Chai Hu (Bupleurum) – Relieves liver qi stagnation;
Finger Citron (Fo Shou) – Enhances mood and digestion;
Aged Tangerine Peel – Improves qi movement;
Turmeric (Jiang Huang) – Invigorates blood and clears stagnation.
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Ear Acupuncture & Auricular Therapy
By targeting ear points linked to the heart and brain, this method helps regulate emotions, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.
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Diet Therapy
Food is considered to be medicine within TCM. Patients are advised on nourishing soups and teas to strengthen the spleen and calm the mind. For example:
- Jujube seed tea for sleep
- Yam and astragalus soup for energy and mood
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Tuina Massage and Spinal Therapy
Muscle tension and blocked energy can worsen emotional distress. TCM massage and Chinese spinal alignment therapy help open meridians, improve blood flow, and bring mental clarity.
Specialized TCM Approaches for Different Types of Depression
According to an article published in the Harvard Health Medicine Journal, there are four main types of depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). TCM treats the four types of depression through its unique techniques. The following are the successful example cases:
Menopausal Depression treatment
Declining estrogen levels during menopause often cause hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and irritability. TCM approaches—such as nourishing yin, cooling liver fire, and using hormone-balancing herbs—can significantly improve both mental and physical symptoms.
Example Case: A 48-year-old woman experiencing severe hot flashes, anxiety, and poor sleep saw dramatic improvement within two weeks using a TCM treatment plan focused on kidney yin nourishment and liver regulation.
Postpartum Depression treatment
Postnatal depression arises from physical depletion and hormonal shifts after childbirth. Symptoms include tearfulness, insomnia, and emotional detachment. TCM uses gentle herbal tonics to rebuild energy and balance mood.
Example Case: A 36-year-old woman with postpartum emotional collapse after IVF was successfully treated with a classic TCM formula (Gan Mai Da Zao Tang) and lifestyle guidance, fully regaining her mental and physical well-being.
Severe Depression treatment
Even long-standing cases of depression unresponsive to Western medication can improve with TCM.
Example Case: A 56-year-old man battled depression for 40 years with no success using antidepressants. After just two months of customized herbal formulas and spinal adjustment therapy at our clinic, he recovered his vitality and sleep, regaining full mental clarity and joy for life.
Depression treatment centers near me
At Shanghai Medical Clinic in Dubai, we specialize in TCM for depression, including menopausal and postpartum cases. Led by Dr. Wang Xiaozhong, a registered TCM expert with over 20 years of experience, our clinic provides tailored care combining:
- Herbal medicine;
- Acupuncture;
- Spinal alignment therapy;
- Diet therapy (including Dates, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Yellow cauliflower and Purslane).
Doctor Wang’s unique combination of Herbal Joy Pills and spinal alignment therapy has helped numerous patients overcome even the most stubborn cases of depression—without dependence on medicines.
If you’re seeking depression treatment in Dubai and prefer a natural, holistic path, schedule a consultation with us today. Let us help you restore balance, vitality, and joy.
Further related video: How Chinese doctor treat depression?
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