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In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, stress and anxiety have become increasingly prevalent, affecting our mental and emotional well-being. As we seek effective and holistic solutions to combat these modern challenges, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a time-tested approach that addresses stress and anxiety from a unique perspective.
With its profound understanding of the mind-body connection, TCM provides a comprehensive set of tools and therapies to restore balance and harmony within us.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, stress, anxiety & depression interrupt the natural flow of energy (qi) in the body. In Chinese medicine, qi is the energy which flows along channels in the body called meridians. These energy channels are mapped throughout the body consisting of main channels that branch into secondary channels. In TCM stress interrupts the natural flow of this energy, causing an imbalance in the body. TCM treats the root cause of this imbalance by releasing trapped or blocked energy. Once the balance and flow of this energy is restored it facilitates the body's own natural system of self healing.
Traditional Chinese medicine treatments used to treat stress, anxiety and depression include acupuncture, acupressure, cupping and herbs.
Contrary to common misconceptions, acupuncture is far from being a painful experience; rather, it stands as one of the most relaxing treatments available. The needles used are incredibly delicate, resembling a few strands of hair in thickness. After a thorough consultation, your acupuncturist will place the fine needles on specific acupuncture points across your body. Through this precise technique, blockages of energy, known as qi, are released, leading to improved blood circulation, reduced tension, balanced hormones, and diminished inflammation. This allows essential nutrients to flow freely to your cells, thereby facilitating your body's natural self-healing abilities. As a result, balance is restored, and relief from the mental, physical, and emotional manifestations of stress, anxiety, and depression is initiated.
Acupressure is a a Chinese medical massage and works on the same principles as acupuncture except that hand and finger pressure are used instead of needles. Often acupuncture and acupressure treatments are given together. Acupressure is an excellent treatment for stress and tension relief in the body, having a knock on effect on your mental state of mind.
In cupping a flame draws the air out of a cup (glass jar) which is placed on certain acupuncture points on the body. The suction draws blood to the area, stimulating circulation and, as with other Chinese medicine techniques, helps to unblock trapped and stagnant energy.
Chinese Herbal Medicine employs the same diagnostic methods as other branches of Chinese Medicine and uses ingredients such as, roots, leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers which are combined according to classical prescriptions to treat the patient. Chinese herbs can be an effective remedy to relieve the symptoms of stress and anxiety by helping to balance the body's internal systems. Many Chinese herbs are specifically designed to balance the bodys' energy and help to manage stress. They are natural and non-toxic and are recognised by the body as such. Chinese medicine tackles the entire body as a working mechanism treating any imbalances recognised by your therapist.
We have put together a list of Chinese herbs rooted in centuries of observation and practice, as well as modern scientific research to understand how these remedies address the nuanced layers of depression, anxiety, and stress, alleviate the symptoms and rectify the imbalances that underlie them. View Chinese Herbs to help with mental and emotional wellness here.
If you are unsure if Chinese medicine is the right option for you come in and have a chat. We offer free consultations where we will discuss things through with you, give you a TCM diagnosis and offer recommendations of treatments that may help.
Care Cure are Ireland's leading Traditional Chinese Medicine specialists. We have clinics in Dublin 4 and Dun Laoghaire.
Free consultations online and in all our clinics. Contact us today