Anxiety, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Acupuncture

Anxiety can be a debilitating condition, TCM can help.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anxiety is understood not merely as a psychological condition, but as a manifestation of imbalances within the body’s energy systems. Many who experience anxiety, often will relay that they will feel the emotional component, but will too describe symptoms felt within their mind and body. TCM emphasizes a holistic approach that sees the spirit, mind, and body as interdependent, often linking emotional disturbances like anxiety to imbalanced organ systems.

Anxiety, in modern medicine, is often seen as a psychological and neurological condition involving stress hormones, nervous system hyperactivity, and overthinking. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anxiety is understood as an imbalance or disharmony among the Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys, with Qi, Blood, and Yin deficiencies or stagnations playing central roles. The Heart houses the Shen (spirit or mind), and disturbances here can lead to symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, and difficulty quieting the mind. If the Heart's energy is disrupted, the Shen becomes unstable, resulting in anxiety-like states, and in TCM, we describe anxiety as a "disquieted spirit". The Liver is associated with the smooth flow of Qi and emotions; emotional constraint or stagnation of Liver Qi can contribute to irritability and unease, and this pattern of imbalance is at the root of anxiety. The Spleen, responsible for transforming food into Qi and Blood, is also linked to overthinking and worry when imbalanced. Furthermore, our Kidneys are seen as the foundation for the rest of our organs; imbalance can lead to fear and lack of will power, which are "anchored" by strong Kidney energy.

In essence, TCM views anxiety not just as a mental affliction, but as a signal of internal disharmony. Acupuncturists don't treat anxiety as a single disorder but as a pattern of disharmony that may manifest differently from person to person and therefore may involve a complex pattern of imbalance. Treatment focuses on restoring balance to the body, calming the Shen (spirit), nourishing Qi and Blood, and harmonizing organ systems.

Pattern Differentiation in Anxiety

Treatment in TCM targets the root cause of the imbalance, not just the symptoms. Common methods include acupuncture, herbal remedies to nourish and calm the organs, and practices like Tai Chi or Qigong to cultivate internal balance. Additionally, dietary recommendations and lifestyle adjustments are tailored to support long-term harmony.

Some common TCM patterns seen in anxiety include:

• Heart Yin Deficiency: Palpitations, night sweats, insomnia, restlessness, dry mouth, red tongue with little coating.

• Heart and Spleen Qi Deficiency: Worry, poor memory, fatigue, poor appetite, insomnia, pale complexion, pale tongue.

• Liver Qi Stagnation with Heat: Irritability, tension, mood swings, chest tightness, headaches, wiry pulse. This pattern is often at the root of all of these related patterns.

• Kidney and Heart Disharmony: Chronic fear (fight or flight), night sweats, dizziness, tinnitus, low back weakness, insomnia, tachycardia, chest tightness, red tongue with little coating.

It's hard to imagine that using acupuncture needles can be extremely relaxing to the body, mind, and spirit.

Acupuncture for Anxiety

Acupuncture works to regulate Qi and Blood, calm the Shen, and restore balance in the organ systems. Some commonly used acupuncture points include:

• Heart-7 (Shenmen) – Calms the spirit, insomnia, regulates Heart function.

• PeriCardium-6 (Neiguan) – Opens the chest, calms anxiety, regulates emotions, reduces nausea.

• Governing Vessel-20 (Baihui) – Lifts mood, clears and calms the mind, harmonizes the spirit.

• Liver-3 (Taichong) – Moves Liver Qi, reduces irritability and stress.

• Kidney-3 (Taixi) – Nourishes Kidney Yin, anchors the spirit/mind.

• Stomach-36 (Zusanli) – Strengthens Qi, calms shen, supports digestion and overall vitality.

• Spleen-6 (Sanyinjiao) – Calms Shen, nourishes Yin, regulates emotions.

Acupuncture treatments are often combined with ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy) for calming effects.

Diet and Nutrition for Calming the Shen

Food therapy in TCM focuses on nourishing Yin and Blood, supporting the Spleen and Stomach, and avoiding overstimulation.

Recommended foods:

• Warm, cooked meals to strengthen digestion.

• Whole grains: oats, millet, brown rice, quinoa.

• Root vegetables: sweet potato, carrots, beets.

• Yin-nourishing foods: black sesame seeds, walnuts, goji berries, mulberries, pears.

• Protein sources: tofu, legumes, fish, organic chicken.

• Calming teas: chamomile, chrysanthemum, lemon balm, jujube seed tea.

Foods to limit or avoid:

• Excess caffeine, alcohol, and sugar.

• Highly processed or greasy foods, especially those that contain MSG, which is an excitotoxin (hyper-stimulates the nervous system).

• Overly spicy or stimulating foods, which may agitate the Shen.

Lifestyle Recommendations

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Gentle breathing exercises, Qigong, or Tai Chi help regulate Qi and calm the nervous system.

• Adequate Sleep: Creating a consistent sleep routine nourishes Yin and Heart Blood.

• Balanced Activity: Light exercise such as walking, yoga, or swimming helps release stagnant Liver Qi without depleting energy.

• Stress Management: Journaling, creative expression, and time in nature are recommended to anchor the spirit.

• Routine: Maintaining regular meals and daily structure strengthens the Spleen and supports emotional stability.

Herbal Medicine for Anxiety

Herbal formulas are selected based on the underlying TCM pattern. Commonly prescribed include:

• Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube Decoction) – For Liver and Heart Yin deficiency with irritability and insomnia.

• Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) – For Spleen Qi and Heart Blood deficiency with worry, fatigue, and poor memory.

• Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor of Heaven’s Special Pill to Tonify the Heart) – For severe Yin and Blood deficiency with restlessness, palpitations, and insomnia.

• Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) – For Liver Qi stagnation with stress, irritability, and digestive issues.

• Zhen Zhu Mu (Mother of Pearl Powder) – Sometimes used to anchor the Shen and reduce palpitations and fear.

Note: Herbal medicine should be prescribed by a licensed practitioner after a proper diagnosis, as formulas are customized to the individual.

Conclusion

Anxiety in TCM is viewed as a disharmony of Qi, Blood, Yin, and Shen across multiple organ systems. By combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, TCM provides a holistic approach to calming the spirit and restoring balance.

With individualized treatment, many people experience not just reduced anxiety, but also improved sleep, digestion, energy, and overall well-being.

For an individualized assessment, please make an appointment at our website, www.tallahasseechinesemedicine.com . See you soon!