First of all, it should be emphasized that depression has its pathological basis, and relying solely on psychological counseling and mental construction for treatment is relatively thin. We should make good use of the power of traditional Chinese medicine and combine the two swords to achieve the best results.
Depression is based on spleen-kidney yang deficiency and heart-liver blood deficiency, not just emotional depression under stress. Traditional Chinese medicine can effectively improve many discomforts of patients with depression through warming yang, resolving stasis, regulating liver, and nourishing blood.
15 years of depression, spending tens of thousands
The patient, 42 years old, has been suffering from depression for 15 years and has never stopped treatment. Western medicine such as Paxil and Effexor, Chinese medicine such as Banxia Houpo decoction and Guipi decoction, have cost tens of thousands of dollars with very little effect. He helplessly said: “I used to be very good, but after getting sick, I didn’t do well, and my life completely changed.”
After learning about traditional Chinese medicine online, he decided to give it a try. After more than two months of treatment, the patient showed significant improvement. Happy about this, he decided to share the complete process of this treatment, hoping to help more people troubled by depression.
First stage of treatment
As of now, the patient has had 9 consultations. Each time, 7 to 10 prescriptions are given, sometimes supplemented with AB prescriptions or pills. Summed up, it can be divided into two stages.
Stage One: February 14 to April 13, a total of 6 consultations in 2 months. This stage addresses the traditional Chinese medicine concept of “phlegm.” Traditional Chinese medicine states that “the spleen produces phlegm,” and only by nourishing the spleen can phlegm be eliminated. The “phlegm” in traditional Chinese medicine is the cause of various strange diseases, especially emotional diseases, so addressing the “phlegm” directly solves the root problem.
On the initial consultation on February 14, 2020, the patient’s symptoms mainly manifested in three aspects:
Typical symptoms of depression: timidity, easily anxious and nervous under stress; poor sleep, multiple dreams during sleep; stiff and sore neck and shoulders leading to unclear mind, easily fatigued, eye fatigue; decline in energy, weak memory, weak reflexes.
Atypical symptoms of depression: always has phlegm, easily coughed up; frequent bowel movements, loose stools, difficulty in passing stool; feeling cold, cold hands and feet, weak limbs, poor flexibility.
Other conditions: drinks a lot of water, doesn’t sweat easily, kidney deficiency, occasional tinnitus, nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, forgetfulness, poor appetite, frequent urination.
Other conditions: drinks a lot of water, doesn’t sweat easily, kidney deficiency, occasional tinnitus, nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, forgetfulness, poor appetite, frequent urination.
From the initial to the sixth consultation in the first stage, I recorded in detail the prescriptions for readers’ reference.
During the treatment process, adjustments were made to address the patient’s unclear mind issues: shoulder and neck adjustments, nourishing blood, regulating liver, and invigorating spleen to address the issue.
During the treatment process, adjustments were made to address premature ejaculation: tonifying kidney, consolidating essence to improve the quality of marital life and regulate emotions.
Feedback on first stage of treatment
When treating depression, I first pay attention to emotional changes. The patient’s emotions are stable, and sometimes even bring me unexpected surprises, such as this special holiday blessing.
After years of seeking medical advice, the patient gradually became interested in traditional Chinese medicine and started learning some knowledge. Perhaps because of a deep understanding of the profoundness of traditional Chinese medicine, he was very respectful towards the doctor during his visits. To help me grasp subtle changes in his condition, the patient would proactively organize and send me information about his tongue coating and post-medication changes before each visit.
Second stage of treatment
During the seventh consultation, it was noted that the phlegm had reduced to one-quarter of its original amount, no longer significantly affecting daily life; neck muscles became softer, physical strength improved, and he had the energy to start running; almost every day there was morning erection, and his confidence noticeably increased.
However, the decline in energy caused by depression forced the patient to resign from his high-paying job. Currently, his income is average, and he still has two children to support. Only with abundant energy can his work and life truly return to normal.
Stage Two: From April 13 until now, a total of 3 consultations focusing on warming yang, nourishing blood, and improving energy.
Feedback on second stage of treatment
The patient’s feedback indicated that post-medication depression and anxiety were almost gone, physical and mental energy improved, his mind was more active, and even something as simple as answering the phone now felt more engaging to him.
Wrapping up
Suffering from depression for 15 years, the effective and steady progress in treatment over the past three months is truly remarkable. Sometimes swayed by life pressures, the patient may waver, but after communication, he perseveres. Looking forward to better and faster progress in the later stages of treatment, helping the patient completely rid himself of depression.
