Unfairness remains in the stomach, irritability gathers in the uterus, stress hides in the neck and shoulders, and anxiety lurks in our sleep. If you can understand this sentence, then you understand traditional Chinese medicine.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the five emotions correspond to the five major organs: “happiness, anger, thinking, sadness, fear” respectively correspond to “heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys”. Once emotions become problematic, our bodies will surely alert us immediately.
Take depression, for example, many people with this condition have poor complexion, struggle to fall asleep at night, become thin, feel weak all over, lack the desire to move, sometimes experience chest tightness and shortness of breath, often sigh, and even shed tears.
These manifestations actually reflect a deficiency in liver blood.
The liver is a crucial part of our body, responsible for processing emotions and aiding in detoxification. When we are angry, feeling low, or anxious, the liver works hard to alleviate these negative emotions. However, if there are too many negative emotions, the liver may struggle and become overloaded, causing it to work abnormally.
The liver acts as our emotional regulator and blood reservoir. If overwhelmed by negative emotions, it cannot function properly, just like a traffic jam. Consequently, the blood in the liver becomes insufficient, depriving the body of nourishment, leading to overall weakness and discomfort.
If we compare a person to a plant, then qi and blood are like nutrients in the plant. Sufficient qi and blood make us feel energetic and vibrant, resembling a plant receiving ample sunlight and water. Conversely, if liver qi stagnation and blood deficiency occur, akin to a plant lacking water and sunlight, we may feel fatigued, easily experience depression and anxiety.
Using sour jujube seed can directly nourish our heart and liver, replenishing the body with moisture, like a spring rain for the body, nurturing every corner and organ. Additionally, sour jujube seed has a miraculous effect; it calms our minds, reduces restlessness, and helps alleviate symptoms of irritability and agitation.
When combined with Bupleurum, White Peony, Angelica, and Chuanxiong, sour jujube seed can soothe the liver, regulate qi, promote blood circulation, and enhance blood flow.
Of course, relying solely on these ingredients is not enough; doctors need to tailor the treatment according to the patient’s specific condition to fight against depression and eradicate its roots thoroughly.
