Anxiety and depression from a TCM perspective

🌿 Emotions are energy - and they want to flow

In TCM, body, mind and soul are inextricably linked. Emotions are regarded as natural forces - but they can also make you ill if they stagnate over a long period of time, are suppressed or experienced in an exaggerated way. According to TCM, anxiety and depression arise when Qi (life energy) cannot flow freely or certain organs are out of balance energetically.

🫀 Heart - seat of the Shen (mind and consciousness)

In TCM, the heart is much more than just a pump. It is the seat of the "Shen", your consciousness, your presence, your zest for life.

A balanced heart qi brings:

• Joie de vivre
• mental clarity
• a calm disposition

If the heart is weakened - for example due to overwork, grief or
inner restlessness - often show themselves:

• inner emptiness
• Sleep disorders
• Cheerlessness
• Irritability or tearfulness

Heart-Fire in Balance is essential for depression with listlessness and emotional exhaustion.

🌬 Lungs - the gateway to mourning

According to TCM, the lungs not only regulate breathing, but also the flow of Qi throughout the body. It is associated with the emotion of grief and the ability to let things go.

Blocked lung qi often manifests itself as:

• deep-seated sadness
• Breathing difficulties
• Withdrawal
• Feeling of weakness

Breathing exercises, acupressure and rhythmic movement can help to get the energy flowing again.

🌿 Liver - mistress of the free flow

The liver ensures the free flow of Qi and emotions. In TCM, it is closely associated with anger, frustration and inner tension. If the liver Qi stagnates, this can lead to inner restlessness, irritability, nervousness - or the opposite.
lead to deep exhaustion and hopelessness.

Typical symptoms:

• Irritability, mood swings
• PMS, tension, digestive problems
• Depressive moods with a feeling of pressure in the chest or abdomen

Liver Qi stagnation is one of the most common causes of emotional complaints in TCM.

🍲 Spleen - center for processing and stability

The spleen is responsible for "digesting" not only food, but also experiences. It gives you inner stability and mental clarity.
If the spleen is weakened (often by overthinking, worrying, sitting for long periods or eating irregularly), this often occurs:

• Lack of drive
• Constant brooding
• Feeling of heaviness and tiredness
• Lack of appetite, ravenous hunger or a feeling of fullness

Strengthening Spleen Qi is essential for depression with exhaustion and mental overload.

🧊 Kidney - the root of fear

According to TCM, the kidney stores our life essence (Jing) and stands for basic trust, will to live and stamina. It is directly linked to anxiety - especially deep-seated existential fear or chronic insecurity.

Weakened kidney energy can manifest itself through:

• Fears, panic attacks
• Cold hands and feet
• Back pain
• Sleep disorders (especially in the second half of the night)

Strengthening the kidney yang (warmth, confidence) is therefore an important key to anxiety.

🌞 What you can do specifically - TCM impulses for everyday life

In the morning:
-Gentle movement (Qi Gong, meridian yoga)
-Warm breakfast with a spleen-strengthening diet
-Conscious light refueling and deep breathing

In the course of the day:
-Set small, achievable goals
-Passionflower or lemon balm tea
-Contact with supportive people

In the evening:
-Gratitude ritual
-warm foot baths
-Heart- or kidney-strengthening meditations

✋ Acupressure for anxiety and depression - 7 proven points

In TCM, targeted acupressure can help to release emotional blockages, get the Qi flowing again and stabilize body and mind. Here you will find seven particularly effective points - each one is explained in detail directly on our website:

• 📍 Le 03 - "Big Meeting" (Tài Chōng)
  Releases emotional tension, calms stress and irritability
• 📍 Ma 36 - "Three miles of the foot" (Zusanli)
  Strengthens the spleen and stomach, boosts energy and mood in case of exhaustion
• 📍 He 07 - "Gate of the Spirit" (Shenmen)
  Helps with restlessness, anxiety, sleep disorders and mental exhaustion
• 📍 LG 20 - "Heaven's Gate" (Baihui)
  Has a mood-enhancing and centering effect, especially in cases of depressive emptiness
• 📍 KG 4 - "Gate of the Origin Qi" (Guanyuan)
  Strengthens kidney energy, inner center and mental stability
• 📍 KG 6 - "Sea of Qi" (Qihai)
  Promotes vital energy, ideal for physical and mental weakness
• 📍 KG 12 - "Collection point of the stomach" (Zhongwan)
  Supports emotional digestion - for brooding, inner emptiness and a feeling of fullness

👉 Application: Massage gently for 1-2 minutes, breathing calmly - particularly effective in the morning or evening.

🚨 Please note that the use of acupressure and herbs as part of TCM is a supportive measure and does not replace a visit to a specialist or therapist. If symptoms persist or are severe, it is important to seek professional help.

🧭 What gives you additional clarity: Your TCM analysis

Would you like to know which of your organs are out of balance from a TCM perspective?
Then take advantage of our free TCM analysis now:
🔗 www.meine-tcm.com/tcm-analyse

You will receive an initial assessment of your type, possible imbalances and individual recommendations for your situation - based on thousands of years of TCM knowledge.

🚨 Important: depression is not a sign of weakness

In TCM, sadness is a transformation phase - not a permanent state.
But if you have the feeling that you can't get any further on your own, please get support. Medical or therapeutic support is not a contradiction to TCM - it is a valuable addition.

✨ Conclusion

In TCM, anxiety and depression are caused by energetic blockages, exhaustion or excess in certain organ functions.
The good news: Your system is designed to get back into balance. You need patience, self-compassion - and sometimes courage,
Accept help.

Because as the saying goes:
"Fear keeps you on the branch. But your nature is made for flight."