Acupuncture, Coronavirus, and Mental Health

The realities of this virus have affected much of our daily life, with an emphasis on our mental health. Simply coming to terms with the fact that we're faced with a new normal such as social distancing, constant testing, job losses, and so on, anxiety and depression numbers are going through the roof. I'm noticing even among my patients....the emotional toll this virus has bourne upon them as well as others. The uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus appeared to be difficult for many people to handle. I'm hearing from colleagues of mine who are psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, that they're noticing an increased level of hopelessness and helplessness everywhere. They're noticing an exacerbation of feelings of anxiety and depression among their existing patients. I'm also noticing how fear and anxiety regarding this virus is even having an impact on children... it's not just an adult thing.

Some of the signs that can indicate stress are: excessive worry about your health or the health of a loved one; changes in your sleep as well as your eating patterns. Difficulty falling or staying asleep, as well as, difficulty concentrating, and increased use of alcohol and/or recreational drugs. For those that are unaware, mental health issues can present with physical complaints such as stomach ache, headaches, hypochondria discomfort, chest discomfort, and more. In this extremely trying time, it is best to focus on eating healthy meals, getting plenty of sleep as well as meditating.

I would inform individuals that emotional disorders in Chinese medicine are generally called YU syndrome. Now YU syndrome basically represents disorders of constraint which is usually caused by emotional frustration. This particular syndrome basically refers to a set of psychological presentations such as depression, anxiety, irritability, or moodiness which is usually caused by Qi stagnation that is related to emotional stress. A person can be diagnosed with early-stage YU syndrome, or later stage YU syndrome. The early stage is tied to frustration and anger as causing liver Qi stagnation which in Chinese medicine is viewed as an excess condition because it can lead to blood stasis, phlegm damp accumulation, and retention of food. The later stage more so follows a pattern of deficiency because of its ability to inhibit the function of the spleen in Chinese medicine. Now in Chinese medicine, when the function of the spleen is impaired, sufficient Qi and blood cannot be generated which would negatively impact other organs, especially the heart and kidneys..for example causing both heart yin and kidney yin deficiency.

Until next time...Acupuncture Is My Life, what's yours?