Depression corresponds to 'Yu Zheng' (stagnation syndrome) in TCM. The core mechanism is Qi stagnation — life energy that should flow freely gets stuck. This primarily involves the Liver (Qi flow), Heart (Shen/spirit), and Spleen (energy production). Over time, stagnation leads to deficiency (exhaustion) or Heat (irritability).
1. Liver Qi Stagnation: Feeling stuck, frustrated, sighing frequently, chest and rib tightness, mood swings, PMS. The most common depression pattern. 2. Heart and Spleen Deficiency: Flat affect, no energy, poor sleep, poor appetite, overthinking, pale complexion. Exhaustion from worry. 3. Kidney Yang Deficiency: Deep depression, complete exhaustion, cold body, no motivation, wanting to hide, suicidal ideation. The life fire is nearly out. 4. Phlegm Misting the Mind: Foggy depression, heavy feeling, confusion, obesity, digestive issues.
Liver Qi: Mint tea, citrus, green leafy vegetables, rose tea, vinegar. Move energy and emotions. Heart/Spleen: Jujube dates, longan, lotus seeds, sweet potato, rice congee. Nourish and comfort. Kidney Yang: Lamb, ginger, cinnamon, walnuts, warm soups. Warm and energize. Phlegm: Brown rice, ginger, radish, green tea. Dry and clear.
He Huan Pi (Mimosa Bark): 'Tree of Happiness' — the #1 herb for depression and grief. Calms Shen, moves Qi. Chai Hu (Bupleurum): The #1 Liver Qi regulating herb. Lifts Yang energy. Xiang Fu (Cyperus): Moves Qi, relieves emotional stagnation. Bai Shao (White Peony): Softens Liver, nourishes Blood. Classic formula: Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer) — the most prescribed TCM formula for depression.
GV20 (Baihui): Crown of head — lifts mood, raises Yang. The #1 point for depression. LV3 (Taichong): Between toes — moves Liver Qi. The #1 point for emotional stuckness. PC6 (Neiguan): Inner wrist — opens the chest, relieves emotional tightness. HT7 (Shenmen): Wrist — calms the Shen. CV17 (Shanzhong): Chest — opens the heart center. ST36 (Zusanli): Energizes and grounds. Yintang: Between eyebrows — calms and centers.
TCM is a complementary approach, not a replacement for professional mental health care. If you experience severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or if symptoms persist or worsen, please consult a qualified mental health professional immediately. Crisis resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 (US).
Morning: Wake by 7 AM. Sunlight exposure (10 min minimum). Press GV20 and LV3. Walk outside 20 minutes. Breakfast: Warm, nourishing. Midday: Connect with someone (isolation worsens depression). Afternoon: Exercise — sweat moves Qi. Evening: Journal (write to release). Press HT7 before sleep. Sleep by 11 PM. Practice: Gratitude — 3 things daily, even small ones. Move: Depression thrives in stillness. Any movement helps.
SEASONS provides emotional wellness assessment. Note: Not a substitute for professional care.