Is Traditional Chinese Medicine Effective in Treating Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorder can be relieved through traditional Chinese medicine treatment, but it is difficult to completely cure it. The main methods for treating anxiety disorders in traditional Chinese medicine include soothing the liver and relieving depression, strengthening the spleen and mind, resolving phlegm and opening the orifices, nourishing yin and reducing fire, and promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Treatment should be based on the patient's physical condition according to syndrome differentiation.

1. Soothing the liver and relieving depression

Anxiety disorder of liver qi stagnation type is characterized by chest tightness, rib pain, irritability and restlessness, which can be treated with modified Chaihu Shugan San. Chaihu and Xiangfu in the formula can soothe the liver and regulate qi, while Baishao and Chuanxiong can nourish blood and soften the liver. Combined with medicinal herbs such as acacia bark and rose, it can improve insomnia and palpitations caused by emotional instability.

2. Strengthening the spleen and nourishing the heart

Common types of heart and spleen deficiency include palpitations, forgetfulness, and loss of appetite. Guipi Tang is the basic formula. Huangqi and Codonopsis pilosula nourish the qi, while longan meat and sour jujube kernels nourish the heart and calm the mind. For the loss of attention caused by excessive mental exhaustion, adding Bai Ziren and Yuan Zhi can enhance the calming effect.

3. Resolving phlegm and opening the orifice

Phlegm heat disturbing the mind type is often characterized by dizziness, chest tightness, excessive phlegm, and bitter taste in the mouth. Warming the gallbladder decoction can reduce heat and phlegm. Pinellia ternata and Zhuru can reduce phlegm and harmonize the stomach, while Fructus Aurantii and Chenpi can regulate qi and relieve bloating. If there are serious symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, it is necessary to use the combination of Mengshi Rolling Phlegm Pill to expel phlegm and open the orifice.

4. Nourishing Yin and Lowering Fire

Yin deficiency and excessive fire type are manifested as hot flashes, night sweats, and restlessness of the five hearts. Tianwang Buxin Pill is more suitable. Rehmannia glutinosa and Ophiopogon japonicus nourish yin and clear heat, while Danshen and Angelica sinensis nourish blood and calm the mind. Individuals with obvious tinnitus can be treated with magnets or mother of pearl to suppress liver and latent yang.

5. Promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis

Qi stagnation and blood stasis type are commonly seen with chest pain and dark purple tongue texture. Xuefu Zhuyu Tang can regulate qi and promote blood circulation. Peach kernels and red flowers promote blood circulation and unblock meridians, while Chaihu and Platycodon grandiflorum regulate qi. For patients with long course of disease and irregular menstruation, acupuncture and moxibustion and Sanyinjiao points can be used to enhance the curative effect. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for anxiety disorder requires a 3-6 month course of treatment, combined with guidance techniques such as Ba Duan Jin and Tai Chi to regulate qi. Strong tea and coffee should be avoided in daily life, and acacia and jasmine can be used as tea substitutes. When experiencing severe anxiety attacks, it is recommended to promptly combine psychological therapy, and in critical situations, modern medical intervention should be coordinated. Maintaining a regular schedule and moderate exercise play an important role in consolidating therapeutic effects.