According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, human emotional activities are closely related to physical health. The psychological state characterized by "overthinking and mental rigidity" is referred to in TCM as "excessive rumination" (思虑过度). Prolonged exposure to this state can easily lead to mental restlessness, thereby affecting physical health. This article explores this psychological state from a TCM perspective and provides corresponding nourishing and regulating methods.
1. Causes of Excessive Rumination
Excessive rumination is often associated with dysfunction of the Heart and Spleen organs. The Heart governs the spirit (Shen), and the Spleen governs thought. If the functions of the Heart and Spleen are impaired, symptoms such as excessive rumination and low mood can easily occur.
1.1 Heart-Kidney Disharmony
Heart-Kidney Disharmony is one of the common causes of excessive rumination. Hyperactivity of Heart Fire and insufficiency of Kidney Water prevent the Heart Fire from descending to intersect with Kidney Water, leading to mental restlessness.
1.2 Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Abundance
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Abundance is also a cause of excessive rumination. Insufficient Spleen Qi leads to weakened transportation and transformation functions, allowing internal Dampness to generate and obstruct Qi movement, resulting in emotional stagnation.
2. Nourishing and Regulating Methods
2.1 Adjusting Work and Rest Schedule
TCM believes that the work and rest schedule is closely related to the body's meridians. Adjusting the schedule helps harmonize the meridians and improve symptoms of excessive rumination.
- 9 PM to 11 PM: During this time, the Heart meridian is active. It is advisable to maintain a calm mind and avoid excessive thinking.
- 1 AM to 3 AM: During this time, the Liver meridian is active. It is advisable to maintain a relaxed mood and avoid emotional suppression.
2.2 Acupressure
Applying pressure to acupoints helps harmonize Qi and Blood, alleviating symptoms of excessive rumination.
- Shenmen (HT7) Point: Located on the ulnar side of the wrist crease, approximately 0.5 cun proximal to the transverse wrist crease. Pressing Shenmen helps calm the mind and stabilize the spirit.
- Baihui (GV20) Point: Located at the intersection of the midline of the head and the line connecting the apexes of both ears. Pressing Baihui helps relieve head discomfort and improve mood.
2.3 Moxibustion on Acupoints
Moxibustion on acupoints helps warm the meridians, unblock collaterals, and harmonize Qi and Blood.
- Zusanli (ST36) Point: Located on the anterolateral side of the lower leg, four finger-widths below the knee cap. Moxibustion on Zusanli helps strengthen the Spleen and supplement Qi, improving symptoms of excessive rumination.
- Neiguan (PC6) Point: Located on the palmar side of the forearm, approximately 2 cun proximal to the wrist crease. Moxibustion on Neiguan helps calm the mind and stabilize the spirit, alleviating symptoms of excessive rumination.
2.4 Dietary Regulation
Dietary regulation helps improve symptoms of excessive rumination.
- Eat more foods that nourish the Heart and Spleen: Such as red dates, lotus seeds, and Chinese yam.
- Avoid greasy, spicy, and raw-cold foods: To prevent aggravating the burden on the Spleen and Stomach.
3. Conclusion
Overthinking and mental rigidity are common psychological states. TCM believes this is related to dysfunction of the Heart and Spleen organs. By adjusting work and rest schedules, applying acupressure, using moxibustion on acupoints, and regulating the diet, symptoms of excessive rumination can be alleviated, improving both mental and physical health.
Excessive rumination, Heart and Spleen organs, psychological nourishment, acupressure, moxibustion, dietary regulation
Related Knowledge Q&A
1. What causes excessive rumination?
According to TCM, the causes of excessive rumination require a holistic pattern differentiation approach, utilizing the four diagnostic methods (inspection, auscultation-olfaction, inquiry, and palpation) combined with individual constitution characteristics for a comprehensive judgment. It cannot be generalized. Specific treatment directions must be determined by a licensed TCM practitioner after an in-person consultation.
2. What is the treatment cycle for the nourishing methods?
The treatment cycle varies from person to person and is related to factors such as individual constitutional foundation and compliance with lifestyle adjustments. TCM emphasizes gradual progress. The specific cycle needs to be assessed by a licensed TCM practitioner based on the individual's condition. This material does not provide specific cycle commitments.
3. What should be noted in daily life?
For daily care, it is recommended to maintain a regular schedule, a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and emotional stability. Specific precautions should be flexibly adjusted according to individual constitution and seasonal changes. Consulting a licensed TCM practitioner is advisable for targeted recommendations.