According to traditional Chinese medicine, anxiety/stress/depression is caused by an imbalance within organ systems that results in dysregulation of the brain function influenced by a variety of pathological mechanisms. It may be caused by stagnation of Qi (vital energy), dysregulation of blood circulation, excessive of inner heat, dampness and phlegm. The root cause often lies on Liver, Heart andor Spleen which are the key organ systems that govern the emotional balance.

 

A TCM practitioner typically identifies the principal cause of depression that is unique to each patient and adopts an acupuncture or medical treatment to release the stagnated vital energy, supplemented by activating blood circulation, suppressing inflammation, or by eliminating phlegm and dampness.