Depression
AliasDepression tendency
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Yuping (Depression Tendency)
In traditional Chinese medicine, Yuping, also known as depression tendency, falls under the category of Qi, blood, and body fluid disorders. According to the classical text "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," Yuping is described as "a disorder caused by the blockage of emotional expression, stagnation of Qi flow, and dysfunction of the internal organs, primarily involving the liver, spleen, and heart."
In TCM clinical practice, the core pathogenesis of Yu Zheng is emotional distress and Qi stagnation, leading to dysfunction of the internal organs. Common triggers include emotional frustration, work pressure, and life changes. During syndrome differentiation, attention should be paid to the following key points:
1. Liver Qi stagnation syndrome: Mainly manifested as mental depression, emotional unrest, frequent sighing, and distending pain in the chest and hypochondria. The regulation approach is to soothe the liver and regulate Qi, relieve stagnation and calm the spirit.
2. Qi stagnation transforming into fire syndrome: Mainly manifested as irritability and easy anger, fullness in the chest and hypochondria, bitter taste and dry mouth, red eyes and tinnitus. The regulation approach is to soothe the liver and purge fire, relieve stagnation and clear heat.
3. Melancholy injuring the spirit syndrome: Mainly manifested as mental trance, restlessness, sadness and easy crying. The regulation approach is to nourish the heart and calm the spirit, relieve stagnation and stabilize the mind.
Overall direction of regulation: In TCM clinical practice, the regulation of Yu Zheng should focus on harmonizing emotions, soothing the liver and relieving stagnation, and nourishing the heart and calming the spirit. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that by regulating organ function and restoring smooth Qi movement, the goals of relieving symptoms and improving quality of life can be achieved.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Liver Qi Stagnation syndrome
Main Manifestations: Depressed spirit, restless emotions, fond of sighing, chest and rib pain.
Management Approach: Relieve liver Qi, regulate Qi, relieve depression and calm the mind
Qi Stagnation transforming into Fire syndrome
Main Manifestations: Irritability and easy anger, chest and side distension, bitter and dry mouth, red eyes and tinnitus
Management Approach: Relieve liver fire, relieve depression and clear heat
Depression causing damage to the spirit
Main Manifestations: Distraction and mental restlessness, sadness and weeping easily
Management Approach: Nourish the heart and calm the mind, relieve depression and stabilize the will
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
Patients with Yu Zheng mostly suffer from emotional distress. Treatment should soothe the liver and relieve stagnation, while also paying attention to the psychological state.
— Chen Yan Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Related Popular Articles
Related Practicing Physicians
Related TCM Treatment Programs
This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)