Chinese medicine understands emotions as part of the whole being. Some emotions arise from the physical state of the body, while at other times an emotion influences one's physical state. If an emotion is very intense or long-lasting, it can cause disease.

For example, anxiety can be related to worry, fear, shock, and a number of other emotions. Any of these can cause the Qi to stagnate. If there is long-term stagnation, Heat can build up in your body--like in a compost pile. Over time, Heat injures Blood and Yin, which leads to a condition called Yin deficiency. Alternately, long hours of work without adequate rest causes Kidney Yin deficiency, which will lead to the Heart not feeling restful and thereby makes a person anxious. Thus, the Chinese medical condition Yin deficiency either stems from a prolonged emotion such as fear, or from a lifestyle such as long work hours that then leads to the emotion.

The approach we take, then, is to first understand the pattern each patient presents. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, and lifestyle advice are all part of what might help someone feel less anxiety or relieve depression.