How Traditional Chinese Medicine treats depression in the elderly

TCM treatment of senile depression focuses on soothing the liver and relieving depression, regulating qi and blood, and commonly used methods include Chinese medicine conditioning, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy, emotional conditioning, diet regimen, and sports guidance.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation:

Liver qi stagnation is the main pathogenesis of elderly depression, and Chaihu Shugan San is commonly used with modifications, containing Chaihu, Xiangfu, Baishao and other liver soothing and qi regulating drugs. For those with phlegm dampness resistance, Banxia Houpu Tang can be combined with Danshen and Chuanxiong for obvious blood stasis. Traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations, such as Xiaoyao Pill and Jieyu Anshen Granule, should be used according to the syndrome. People with weak spleen and stomach should use bitter cold medicine carefully.

2. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy:

Select Baihui, Yintang, Neiguan, Taichong and other acupoints, and adjust yin and yang with the method of reinforcing and reducing. Ear acupressure is applied to areas such as the nervous system, heart, and liver, and combined with electroacupuncture stimulation to improve blood circulation in the brain. Treating three times a week for four consecutive weeks can significantly alleviate symptoms of low mood and insomnia.

3. Emotional regulation:

Based on the theory of "sorrow triumphs over anger" in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, the use of horn tone music in the five tone therapy is used to relieve liver depression. Guide patients to cultivate meditation activities such as calligraphy and gardening, and avoid living alone. Family members should adopt the approach of "using emotions to overcome emotions" and use gentle language to alleviate negative emotions.

4. Dietary Health:

recommends using 10g of Ganmai Dazao Decoction with Licorice, 30g of Wheat, and 10 Jujubes to calm the mind and soothe the nerves, or 3g of Rose and 5g of Acacia as tea substitutes. Eat more spleen strengthening and heart nourishing ingredients such as yam, lotus seeds, lilies, etc. in daily life, and avoid spicy and stimulating foods as well as strong tea and coffee.

5. Exercise guidance:

Eight dan Brocade "Shake your head and tail to dispel your heart fire" style combined with breathing exercises, practice for 15 minutes every morning. The simplified version of Tai Chi Cloud Hand movements can regulate autonomic nervous system function, and the six character qigong formula "Shh" is particularly suitable for patients with liver depression.

Elderly patients with depression need to maintain a regular daily routine, and falling asleep before midnight can help detoxify the liver and gallbladder. Diet can increase brain food such as walnut kernel, jujube kernel Congee, and avoid high fat diet aggravating phlegm and dampness. Moderate sunlight exposure combined with walking exercise, 3 times a week for 30 minutes each time. In terms of emotional care, it is recommended that children accompany and communicate regularly, and the community can organize collective recreational activities. When symptoms continue to worsen or suicidal tendencies occur, timely combination of Western medicine diagnosis and treatment should be sought.