In today’s society, depression has become a well-known term. However, in the past, we may not have been familiar with it. Many of my clients, whether in the past or present, are deeply troubled by it.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, depression may be caused by insufficient yang qi and excessive yin qi. Yang qi governs dispersion, while yin qi governs restraint. Does depression then imply a loss of the ability to generate and disperse? Poor lifestyle habits lead people to spend more time between Shaoyin and Taoyin, resulting in insufficient reception of yang qi. Humans are the product of the integration of yin and yang of heaven and earth, and the continuation of life depends on the mutual transformation of yin and yang. Sleep at night is precisely the process of yin and yang transformation, and the midnight hour, around eleven o’clock to one o’clock, is a crucial juncture of yin and yang transformation. If one fails to fall asleep at this time, the yin qi received throughout the day cannot transform into uplifting yang qi, and over time, various body indicators may encounter problems. When feeling unwell and seeking medical examination, Western medicine diagnoses depression through various instruments, prescribing antidepressants, which may complicate matters further.
Of course, not all depression patients are caused by lack of sleep at night, but the principles of yin and yang are interconnected. Engaging excessively with yin-related elements in life, such as locking oneself in dark rooms, enjoying the consumption of animal organs, favoring cold drinks and foods, watching dark-themed movies, and so on, contradicting warmth and sunshine, can all be considered yin. Yin and yang are relative, not absolute. Without proper training, an excess of yang can also lead to issues, as seen in some individuals who suffer from excessive excitement. Regulating yin and yang is key to maintaining bodily health. Prolonged inactivity can breed illness, just as excessive activity can. Harmony between movement and stillness is the remedy for maintaining health. Those who live in darkness may fear sunlight, while those who bask in sunlight may not fear darkness because they have inner light and thus do not fear darkness. Studying theories provides the basis for a healthy lifestyle.
Therefore, I suggest they avoid staying up late, wake up early in the morning, engage in outdoor activities, break a sweat, as this may gradually help resolve the issue. If one develops depression within half a year, adjusting for another half a year could potentially lead to recovery.
