Depression should be tackled from the perspective of the liver and spleen issues, rather than relying solely on medication!
Let’s take the case of Mrs. Zhao treated by Dr. Wang as an example. Mrs. Zhao had been suffering from depression for two years, feeling mentally down, experiencing lack of sleep, and losing interest in her previous hobbies. She started medication right after being diagnosed, initially seeing significant improvement. However, as time passed, not only did the effects diminish, but she also developed other complications.
Finally, through a friend’s recommendation, she found Dr. Wang.
After examining Mrs. Zhao, Dr. Wang pointed out that her condition was not solely related to emotional issues, but rather to the imbalance of Qi circulation in her body caused by liver Qi stagnation, which has a significant connection with the liver and spleen.
Why is this statement made?
Firstly, the liver governs the smooth flow of emotions, acting as the “emotional regulator” in our bodies. When it functions well, our energy, blood, and mood remain balanced. However, if the liver is not functioning properly, leading to “liver Qi stagnation,” it can easily affect one’s mood, causing feelings of low spirits, irritability, and even insomnia and vivid dreams at night.
Secondly, the spleen controls thought processes, but if it’s weak, it can’t generate Qi and blood properly, fail to transform fluids, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm in the body. Phlegm turbidity affects the mind and can make a person irritable and mentally fatigued. Moreover, stagnation of Qi in the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach can generate heat, and once heat disturbs the brain, dizziness and headaches may occur.
Thirdly, disharmony between the liver and spleen disrupts the function of the middle energizer, causing chaos in the body’s Qi circulation. This can lead to chest tightness, irregular heartbeat, severe lower abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
Thus, Dr. Wang tailored the treatment plan for Mrs. Zhao focusing on soothing the liver, resolving stagnation, eliminating phlegm, and awakening the mind.
By soothing the liver, resolving stagnation, regulating Qi circulation, restoring liver functions, and eliminating phlegm while awakening the mind, encouraging the spleen to transform and distribute nutrients, the treatment strategy not only addresses complications but also targets the root cause.
Dr. Wang has always believed that depression is not an incurable condition and should not require lifelong medication. As for why many chronic illnesses remain untreatable, it is not solely due to the complexity of the diseases themselves.
