For depression and anxiety, the treatment starts with adjusting the physical body, then the vital energy, and finally the spirit.
Adjusting the physical body involves observing the correctness of body shape, the health of the body, and understanding the functions of the internal organs and the changes in vital energy.
If a person is physically healthy and not overly affected by emotions and desires, their spirit is easily maintained, just like the innocence of a child.
However, if there are physical ailments like lung disease causing sadness or liver disease leading to depression, there is a relationship between the physical and mental aspects.
Regarding the current discussion of illness, focusing solely on psychology or medicine is imbalanced.
Physical and spiritual aspects are interdependent, much like the interdependence of yin and yang; one cannot be lacking.
Body, vital energy, and spirit are three facets of one entity, mutually supporting and complementing each other.
The movement of the spirit requires the support of vital energy and the physical support of blood; the movement of the spirit consumes vital energy, which when depleted, affects other areas that lack energy, like the lower abdominal energy.
According to traditional Chinese methods, one can maintain the spirit independently, akin to the beneficial posture of the standing golden rooster.
It is also said: “When the will is lost, the spirit cannot maintain vitality.”
In simple terms, having great aspirations leads to self-discipline, which in turn fosters ethical behavior from a young age.
Observing today’s youth, few practice self-discipline due to restlessness, lack of goals, and ideals.
They lack the ambition of youth.
When one takes responsibility for family, country, and dreams, self-discipline is achieved.
Self-discipline ensures a healthy state to perform good deeds.
In reality, having aspirations can control emotions, and controlling emotions can suppress desires.
In terms of medication, the use of Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) is common.
However, Chai Hu is selective.
While some may find no effects with Chai Hu, others might see immediate results with Yu Jin (Rhizoma Curcumae) and Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae).
This may indicate the illness is related to blood rather than vital energy.
As Chai Hu disperses stagnation and resolves constraint, it is suitable for symptoms of stagnant vital energy and blood stasis.
For physical illnesses, a good doctor is needed, and for spiritual confusion, guidance from a wise person is required.
Regarding spiritual perplexity, seeking guidance from a wise person is crucial in times of uncertainty.
