Edited and compiled by Koushi’s Simple and Simple Psychological Studio at Yuntai Doctor Internet Hospital, sharing the diagnosis and treatment experience of famous old Chinese doctors. The content is for reference only. If you have any questions, please seek dialectical treatment.
Kou Shaojie, chief physician of Kaifeng Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, specialist in psychosomatic medicine at Yuntai Doctor Internet Hospital, and professor at Henan University Medical College. He serves as the chairman of the Mental Health Branch of the China Association for the Promotion of Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, director of the Mental Health Branch of the Henan Society of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, vice chairman of the Psychiatric Branch of the Henan Medical Association, vice chairman of the Mental Health Branch of the Henan Physician Association, and vice chairman of the Medical Psychology Branch of the Henan Psychological Society.
Specializes in difficult and miscellaneous diseases such as depression, anxiety, bipolar emotional disorders, schizophrenia, and insomnia. Engaged in clinical psychiatry for nearly 40 years, tailoring individualized diagnosis and treatment plans combining traditional Chinese medicine and psychological therapy for patients, helping them overcome psychological issues more quickly.
Anxiety disorders are characterized by widespread and persistent anxiety, excessive worry, or recurrent panic attacks. They are often accompanied by symptoms such as insomnia, dizziness, and palpitations. Currently, anxiety disorders have the highest incidence rate among mental disorders. The etiology and pathogenesis of anxiety disorders are complex, and emotional activities often result from the mutual influence of the five viscera. Therefore, Professor Kou Shaojie of Yuntai Doctor Internet Hospital discusses the treatment of anxiety disorders from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine and the five viscera.
1. Focus on nurturing the heart and calming the mind in treating the heart
The heart is praised as the “supreme organ of the five viscera and six bowels, the abode of the spirit,” controlling emotions and thoughts, and serving as the highest commander of the body’s life activities. In patients with anxiety disorders, there is often a problem of insufficient nourishment of the heart and spirit, requiring a treatment strategy that supplements qi and blood, nurtures the heart, calms the mind, clears heart fire, and soothes the mind and spirit through dialectical analysis.
2. Focus on soothing the liver and regulating qi in treating the liver
The liver’s main function is to ensure the smooth flow and harmony of qi. Abnormal liver function can lead to the imbalance of qi, blood, and body fluids, disrupting organ functions and ultimately causing abnormal mental and emotional activities. It is important to focus on soothing the liver and regulating qi to achieve emotional stability and smooth emotions. Therefore, the use of liver-calming formulas such as Chai Hu Shu Gan San, Xiao Yao San, and Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San can effectively alleviate anxiety symptoms.
3. Focus on invigorating the spleen and harmonizing the middle in treating the spleen
Patients with anxiety disorders often exhibit restlessness and may also have symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. The spleen, as the source of qi and blood transformation, plays a crucial role in nourishing the viscera and the brain and marrow. When the spleen function is impaired, symptoms such as loss of appetite and mental fatigue may occur. Treating spleen deficiency, invigorating the spleen, harmonizing the middle, and supporting the body’s positive energy are essential while considering the patient’s condition for a targeted treatment.
4. Focus on ventilating the lungs and regulating qi in treating the lungs
The lungs govern the body’s qi circulation and can affect the function of qi, blood, and body fluids. Lung dysfunction can easily lead to anxiety disorders. Therefore, the key in treatment is to ventilate the lungs, restore lung function, regulate qi flow, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
5. Focus on tonifying the kidneys and nourishing essence in treating the kidneys
The relationship between the kidneys and emotions is significant. The kidneys store essence and govern emotions. The abundance or decline of kidney essence affects brain function, which is the foundation of regulating emotions. Therefore, in treating anxiety disorders, it is crucial to tonify the kidneys and nourish essence with commonly used formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Zuo Gui Yin.
Professor Kou Shaojie (Professor Kou Shaojie yty1761) pointed out that the human body functions as an organic whole, with each organ system coordinating and mutually dependent on each other. Thus, in the clinical differentiation and treatment of anxiety disorders, one should not focus solely on a single organ system but consider the holistic approach guided by traditional Chinese medicine theory of “the unity of the five viscera,” emphasizing the most affected organ system while also considering overall organ system adjustment in the treatment process.
