Some depressed patients say, “I often feel burning in my chest, hard to restrain, wanting to vent and then feel relieved.” Depression, as we have discussed, is caused by insufficient Yang energy. Since Yang is deficient, how can there be fire?
In truth, this fire is the blaze of deficiency.
To treat restlessness, one must start with nourishing the essence with water.
By replenishing the essence with water, once the water energy rises, the deficiency fire will naturally extinguish.
Yet few in the world truly understand this theory; many practitioners treat it with heat-clearing remedies.
They believe that the outbreak of fire must be due to heat, thus traditional Chinese medicine prescribes bitter-cold herbs for heat-clearing, while Western medicine applies anti-inflammatory agents.
Such approaches follow a linear thought process, not delving into the root of Kidney fire. Some may know it is Kidney fire and start with Amur Cork Tree Bark, then progress to Anemarrhena Rhizome, but simply removing heat evil, though cold-bitter clears, is not the fundamental solution; bitter medicines only suppress without eliminating the root.
To understand the source of this heat, it often stems from the insufficiency of water and fire in the lower burner, emphasizing the need to replenish water.
Hence Rehmannia, Ophiopogon Tuber, and similar water-boosting herbs are critical, aiming to find the equilibrium between water and fire.
If the focus is on warming-cold, one must first address Spleen Yang deficiency and Bladder Yang weakness, so the essence becomes moistened, and the deficiency fire balances itself.
Remember, moistening the essence is the primary basis for treating this illness.
Otherwise, without the organs and entrails being moisturized and fire ignites, internal fire will flare up, disturbing the spirit; emotional disorders morph into mental ailments, making treatment more challenging.
One approach could be to regulate the exterior with Bupleurum Root and Cinnamon Twig, whereby Bupleurum harmonizes, and Cinnamon Twig releases the exterior, allowing the pathogenic factors of the Triple Burner to exit.
For those with deficient Middle Qi, supplementation is necessary; Ginseng, Fresh Ginger, Jujube can be used, with Ginger Rhizome and Pinellia Rhizome as supplements.
This is also the correct method.
Anxiety and depression often have similar origins.
When the chest feels like it’s burning, one becomes restless, unable to sleep at night, troubled by everything.
Such signs indicate cardiac illnesses that can escalate into anxiety and depression.
To treat such conditions, the key lies in “circulation of Qi.”
With the continual internal circulation, Qi emerges on the surface while Yin enters the interior, achieving natural harmony.
During emotional surges, Liver Qi ascends excessively, and fire follows the Qi, accumulating in the upper body causing dry throat, restlessness, and rising fire in the heart.
During such times, astringent herbs must be used to consolidate, yet to prevent spleen Qi damage, sweet herbs are required for moderation.
Tangerine Peel aids digestion, Licorice Root safeguards Middle Qi, nourishing Yin without harming the Spleen and Stomach.
To conclude, such illnesses stem from the internal struggle between the cold of Liver, Spleen, and Kidney, and the heat of Heart and Lungs.
The beauty of Chinese medicine lies in harmonizing these differences, returning the body to balance.
