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Anxiety & Depression

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anxiety and depression in women arise from complex interactions of multiple factors, some of which remain not fully understood.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anxiety and depression in women arise from complex interactions of multiple factors, some of which remain not fully understood. The organ system in Chinese medicine and their effects on Shen (Mind) and emotional well-being can be used to explain the root cause of Anxiety and depression.

  • Disharmony in Liver organ can cause anger, and anxiety, the link between the Liver and the menstrual cycle may explain why anxiety disorders are twice as common in women compared to men.
  • Lung & Kidney Qi Deficiency – Weakening emotional resilience
  • Liver Blood Deficiency or Stagnation – Disrupting mood regulation
  • Spleen Qi Deficiency – Affecting digestion & emotional balance
  • Cold Invasion & Blood Stagnation – Hindering energy circulation
  • Jing & Yuan Qi Deficiency – Lowering vitality & emotional strength

These imbalances collectively disrupt mental harmony, impacting emotional well-being and contributing to anxiety and depression.

TCM Treatment Approach

TCM treats depression and anxiety by first determining a personalized diagnosis based on an individual’s unique constitution. Treatment may include:

  • Customized Acupuncture Protocols – Specific acupoints tailored to each patient’s diagnosis
  • Herbal Therapy – Targeting Qi, Blood, and Yin/Yang balance
  • Exercise & Lifestyle Modifications – Supporting emotional regulation & stress resilience
  • Dietary & Nutritional Therapy – Enhancing gut health, digestion & overall well-being

Because each patient presents a different pattern of imbalances, TCM treatments are highly individualized, reinforcing the importance of customized acupuncture protocols for effective healing.

Studies on Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for Anxiety and depression

  • One study assessed the use of Acupuncture for Anxiety in women undergoing IVF treatment which showed patients who received acupuncture experienced less anxiety compare to the control group (who did not receive acupuncture).
  • Another study measured acupuncture response to anxiety for women with substance abuse problem, this study found patients who received acupuncture and counseling had a lower Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and depression compare to patients who received only psychotherapy.
  • Another study assessed the effect of acupuncture in women with MDD (Major depressive disorder), the treatment acupuncture group showed a significant reduction in BDI (Beck depression inventory) compare to nonspecific acupuncture group.
  • Two studies evaluated MDD in pregnant patients, both studies showed a significant reduction of BDI in patient receiving specific acupuncture treatments for depression during pregnancy.
  • A study looked at depression among menopausal women suffering from vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats). The study showed acupuncture group had significantly higher reduction in BDI than the non-acupuncture group.
  • Three studies measure remission rates in patients who received acupuncture for anxiety and depression, Manber et al. (in the 2004 study) found significantly greater rates of remission at 10 weeks in patients who received depression specific acupuncture versus nonspecific acupuncture. Courbasson et al. found nonsignificant reduction in BDI at 1 and 3 months. Gallagher et al found rates of remission in patients with MDD treated with acupuncture similar to other treatments (i.e., psychopharmaceuticals, psychotherapy).
  • Two studies assessed the adverse reaction of acupuncture for pregnant women with MDD and found no adverse reaction to the mother or the fetus in acupuncture groups.

Current research provides high-level evidence supporting the use of acupuncture for anxiety and major depressive symptoms in women, particularly during pregnancy. Acupuncture offers a safe, natural, and effective treatment for emotional well-being, promoting relaxation and reducing stress-related symptoms.

At Yarrow Holistic Center, we specialize in fertility and women’s health, treating patients experiencing:

  • Anxiety & Depression During Fertility Treatments
  • Pregnancy-Related Anxiety & Depression
  • Menstrual-Related Mood Disorders
  • Menopausal Depression & Emotional Imbalances