In daily consultations, dealing with many anxious patients, it’s understood: the whole person is very sensitive, inexplicably anxious and tense, palpitations, confused thoughts, feeling physically uncomfortable all over, fatigue, even having difficulty walking steadily, nauseous and can’t eat, feeling uncomfortable and bloated after eating, dizziness, tight scalp, tension, obvious physical symptoms, heart palpitations, dizziness, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, trembling, sensation of something in the throat, limbs feel weak and sore, lack of interest in anything, unable to focus, repeatedly tormented.
Mr. An from Qingdao, Shandong, complained to Dr. Liu Jiafeng during an online consultation: he has been taking Western medicine for 25 years, experiencing withdrawal symptoms every time he stops the medication, yet afraid to stop, and doesn’t want to rely on Western medicine for life. He wants to try some Chinese medicine to see if he can quit Western medicine. He has tried many Chinese medicines but the effects were not ideal, and it even affected his stomach. Many people say this condition requires a lifelong dependence on both medication and lifestyle changes, causing inner conflict and a desire to try again. He wants to gradually stop taking Western medicine.
Since falling ill, Mr. An has been suffering every day, living in great pain. It felt like being drunk all the time, too scared to go out, anxious, and tense. He lost weight and felt anxious and restless every day. When he saw many people and cars on the road, he suddenly felt overwhelmed, with his body and nerves tensing up, making it feel like he couldn’t stand still. Dr. Liu Jiafeng tailored a treatment plan based on Mr. An’s specific situation. After a treatment cycle, the feelings of anxiety and tension eased, allowing him to go out and meet people, although he still feels a bit nervous. Communication with others is not as smooth as before, but there is some improvement compared to his previous state. He is still taking Western medicine, gradually reducing the dosage as his physical symptoms stabilize. Mr. An feels much better with the Chinese medicine treatment, improved appetite, and bowel movements. Previously stopping Western medicine abruptly led to severe reactions, feeling extremely anxious and uncomfortable. After three adjustments with Chinese medicine, the Western medicine dosage was reduced slightly, stabilizing the physical symptoms. Because he had been taking Western medicine for a long time, the gradual reduction depends on the body’s reaction, seeking progress while maintaining stability, continuing the treatment plan.
For patients with anxiety and depression who want to recover quickly, besides actively cooperating with treatment, they need to change their cognitive thinking. With correct cognitive thinking, inner vitality and hope can arise, leading to better mental and emotional states, making a person feel much more comfortable.
Dr. Liu Jiafeng tailors the treatment plan based on the patient’s specific condition and constitution, using gentle medications without being aggressive, regulating Qi without depleting it, promoting blood circulation without damaging it, clearing heat without harming the stomach, and resolving phlegm without harming the body. Although the treatment may not be as fast as Western medicine in effectiveness, it has no side effects, focusing on treating the root cause to prevent relapse after recovery. (Dr. Liu Jiafeng evaluates the patient’s condition comprehensively, fully utilizing the strengths of Chinese medicine, employing different diagnostic methods, classifications, and stages to regulate the patient’s condition and promote recovery without relapse after stopping medication.)
