Depression is a common disease that affects more than 300 million people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue. Depression can severely impair a person’s ability to carry out daily life, including work, interpersonal relationships, and enjoyable activities.
TCM treatment is a holistic approach based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and has been used to treat depression for thousands of years. TCM has obvious advantages in treating depression. The following is a corresponding treatment plan based on the etiology and pathology of TCM for reference:
Depression with deficiency syndrome
For depression with deficiency syndrome, such as deficiency of both the heart and spleen, moxibustion can be used for treatment. The warming effect of moxibustion has a good tonic effect on the human body, can improve immunity, enhance disease resistance, and produce an excitatory effect, which has a good corrective effect on depressive disorders.
(1) Acupoint selection: Qihai (1.5 inches below the middle of the navel), Zhongyuan (4 inches above Jizhong on the anterior midline of the upper abdomen), Shenque (i.e. the middle of the navel), Zusanli (cover the kneecap with the palm of your hand, with five fingers facing down, and the end of the middle finger is this point).
(2) Moxibustion with moxa sticks: The patient lies on his back, and the moxa stick is placed about 3 cm away from the six points. The fire is gently and slowly penetrates the deep layer of the acupoints. The skin can feel warm and comfortable without burning pain. Moxibustion is performed for 10 to 15 minutes every six points until the skin turns red. Moxibustion is performed once a day, and 5 to 7 times is a course of treatment.
(3) Moxibustion with moxa cones: Apply a small amount of vaseline oil to the acupoints to adhere to the moxa cones. Use small or medium-sized moxa cones. Light the small moxa cones. When the skin feels burning pain, remove the moxa cones and replace them with new ones. Continue moxibustion for 3 to 7 times, and the skin will turn red after six times.
(4) Moxibustion with ginger: Place 2 mm thick ginger slices on the acupoints, pierce several holes in the middle, and place moxa cones on the ginger slices. Select 3 to 5 acupoints each time, and moxibustion each acupoint 3 to 10 times. Do it once a day or every other day, and 7 to 10 days is a course of treatment.