In today’s society, depression, as a common mental illness, has brought a heavy burden to many people’s lives. However, at the Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, there is a Chinese medicine acupuncture doctor named Hu Jiafei who, with his outstanding medical skills and noble medical ethics, has lit the light of hope for depression patients in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. Dr. Hu Jiafei not only inherits the medical glory of his family but also promotes it in the field of traditional Chinese acupuncture, becoming an outstanding representative of the fifth generation of the Hu family’s traditional Chinese medicine heritage. He firmly believes that traditional Chinese medicine can not only treat diseases but also treat the heart, helping patients overcome the darkness of depression by harmonizing yin and yang, and balancing the mind.
1. Starting from the heart, understanding depression from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine
Dr. Hu Jiafei pointed out that in traditional Chinese medicine theory, depression belongs to the category of “hysteria,” with its root cause being the imbalance of zang-fu qi-blood yin-yang. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the heart governs the mind, the liver governs dispersion, the spleen governs transformation, and the kidneys govern storage of essence. When these zang-fu functions are obstructed, it can lead to poor circulation of qi and blood, emotional imbalance, thus triggering depression. Therefore, the key to treating depression lies in harmonizing zang-fu qi-blood yin-yang to achieve a harmonious balance of body and mind.
2. Harmonizing yin and yang, the unique charm of traditional Chinese medicine treatment
When treating depression, Dr. Hu Jiafei emphasizes the use of traditional Chinese medicine’s holistic approach and the principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment determination. He first comprehensively understands the patient’s condition and constitution by observing, listening, questioning, and pulse diagnosis, and then formulates personalized treatment plans. During the treatment process, he not only prescribes Chinese herbal decoctions for conditioning but also incorporates acupuncture, massage, and other traditional Chinese therapy to achieve the goal of harmonizing yin and yang and balancing the mind.
1. Chinese herbal decoction conditioning:
Dr. Hu Jiafei will prescribe targeted herbal formulas according to the patient’s specific condition. These formulas often contain various Chinese herbs with functions such as soothing the liver, relieving depression, nourishing the heart, calming the mind, invigorating the spleen, and regulating the stomach. By regulating zang-fu functions and improving the circulation of qi and blood, the symptoms of depression in patients can be alleviated.
2. Acupuncture therapy:
Acupuncture is one of the important methods in traditional Chinese medicine for treating depression. Dr. Hu Jiafei selects key acupoints such as those on the foot jueyin liver meridian and foot taiyin spleen meridian for needling, stimulating these acupoints to regulate the circulation of qi and blood, unblock meridians, and achieve the effect of harmonizing yin and yang and balancing the mind. He often says, “Although the needle tip is small, it can open meridians, regulate qi and blood, and resolve mental knots.”
3. Massage therapy:
Massage therapy is also one of the common treatment methods used by Dr. Hu Jiafei. By massaging the patient’s body acupoints and meridians, it can promote the circulation of qi and blood, relieve muscle tension, and reduce the patient’s psychological stress and anxiety.
3. Case Study: Witnessing the cure of depression by traditional Chinese medicine
In Dr. Hu Jiafei’s clinic, there are many cases of depression patients who have regained new life through traditional Chinese medicine treatment. Among them, the story of Ms. Zhong is particularly touching. She had fallen into deep depression due to work pressure, complex interpersonal relationships, and personal emotional setbacks. After trying Western medicine treatment with unsatisfactory results, she found Dr. Hu Jiafei. Through the comprehensive treatment of Chinese herbal decoctions and acupuncture therapy, Dr. Hu not only improved her physical condition but also helped her overcome psychological darkness. Now, Ms. Zhong has regained her enthusiasm and motivation for life, and her smile has returned to her face.
4. Conclusion
Dr. Hu Jiafei interprets the profound and unique charm of traditional Chinese medicine with his actions. He firmly believes that traditional Chinese medicine can not only treat diseases but also treat the heart. By harmonizing yin and yang, balancing the mind, traditional Chinese medicine provides a new path to recovery for depression patients. In the days to come, we look forward to Dr. Hu Jiafei continuing to shine in the field of traditional Chinese acupuncture, bringing health and hope to more patients.
