Author: Physician Vivian Wen | February 2021 | Zhongjing TCM
Stress has become an inseparable part of our modern society and we often hear this term thrown around a lot. Stress is not inherently bad, as the right type and amount of stress can motivate productivity and performance. However, when we experience constant and prolonged stress, it can affect our physical, mental and social health. Taking appropriate measures to manage stress is important to improving our physical and mental well-being.
Chronic stress can negatively impact our health in many ways and lead to a wide range of problems with differing severity. Stress often impairs sleep quality and causes insomnia. Chronic sleep deprivation deprives the body of its time to heal and repair itself, increasing the risk for a host of health problems. Other common symptoms include headache, fatigue, indigestion, poor appetite or binge eating, memory and concentration problems, hair loss and reduced libido. It can even increase the risk of hypertension and affect cardiovascular health. Furthermore, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability, frustration and helplessness, which can in turn result in conflicts with friends and family, and strained relationships. In some cases, it can progress into mental disorders like depression, mania and even antisocial personality disorder, with individuals becoming potentially at risk to themselves and others.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mental activities and emotions are governed by the Heart. The Liver assists the Heart by regulating the flow of Qi throughout the body, allowing us to be able to properly regulate our thoughts and emotions. When Liver Qi flows smoothly, it evokes positive thinking and good spirits. When the Liver is imbalanced, the flow of Qi becomes stagnated and it presents with negative emotions like anger, anxiety and depression. Hence, the key to combating stress is to maintain healthy Liver function.
TCM believes that the Five Organs are closely related and each organ’s function can positively or negatively affect the other. Liver Qi stagnation can affect Spleen function, which is in charge of our digestion. Hence people with high stress levels often experience gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, bloating, diarrhea, poor appetite and even weight loss. There are also a handful who use binge eating as a coping strategy for stress, resulting in weight gain instead.
Have you noticed that stress can also result in hair loss and greying hair? In TCM, the Liver and Kidneys play important roles in hair growth and hair health. Hair is nourished by Liver Blood and Kidney essence, and these can be depleted through high stress levels, chronic sleep deprivation and prolonged screen time. Liver Blood deficiency can reduce hair growth, and Kidney Essence deficiency can lead to increased hair loss and dull hair.
TCM takes a holistic approach to treating diseases and focuses on correcting the various imbalances in the organs. With normal regulatory function of the Liver, individuals would be able to cope with stress in a positive manner. Replenishing Kidney Qi allows healthy hair growth. Balancing the Spleen and Stomach contributes to regular eating habits and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Treatment methods for stress include herbal medication, acupuncture and cupping, with the aim of regulating the flow of Qi and Blood. Among them, better results are often seen with herbal medication and acupuncture.
- Herbal medication: Some common formulas used to relieve stress-related problems are Xiao Yao San 逍遥散, Jia Wei Xiao Yao San 加味逍遥散, Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang 柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤, Chai Hu Shu Gan San 柴胡疏肝散 and Jie Yu Wan 解郁丸. These formulas are each suited for a certain set symptoms and body constitution, thus it is recommended to be used under the direction of a physician.
- Acupuncture: The aim of the acupuncture treatment is to regulate the flow of Qi and Blood and clear blockages in the meridians. Acupoints used often include He Gu 合谷 LI4, Tai Chong 太冲 LV3, Bai Hui 百会 DU20 and Shen Men 神门 HT7. These acupoints work together to reduce Liver Heat, regulate Liver Qi, replenish Spleen Qi and calm the Heart and mind.
- Cupping: The body’s meridians, acupoints and internal organs are interconnected. Through cupping, we can stimulate selected acupoints and thus correct imbalances in the internal organs.
