A Calm Mind Begins Within
More and more people are struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood and burnout. It’s not just in your head and it’s certainly not something you need to push through alone.
You might feel like you’re running on empty, caught in your thoughts, finding it hard to relax, even when you want to. While therapy and medication can support your symptoms, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different approach. One that works through the body to calm the mind and restore balance from the inside out.
In the world of TCM, mental health isn’t just about brain chemistry. It’s about your whole system working together in harmony.
What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive holistic system of health developed through thousands of years. At it’s core is the belief that health comes from balance. When Qi (energy) is abundant and flowing freely, you feel calm, clear-headed and resilient. When it becomes blocked or depleted, symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep and low mood can begin to appear.
How TCM Views Emotional Wellbeing
In TCM, emotional wellbeing isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. Feelings like anxiety, sadness, irritability or brain fog often reflect deeper imbalances in the body.
Some common contributors to emotional disharmony include:
chronic stress or unresolved trauma
poor diet
sleep deprivation
hormonal shifts
life transitions or emotional suppression
overwork or burnout
Emotions are seen as being rooted in the function of specific organ systems. For example:
The Liver is associated with stress, irritability, and frustration.
The Heart governs joy but can also show signs of insomnia, agitation, and anxiety.
The Spleen is linked to worry, overthinking and mental fatigue
The Kidneys are related to fear and exhaustion.
The Lungs are connected to sadness and grief.
When these systems are out of balance, emotional symptoms often emerge. Understanding your individual pattern is the first step toward meaningful healing. And from here, we can begin to nourish the root, not just manage the surface.
How TCM Can Support Your Mental Health
Acupuncture
Acupuncture gently activates your parasympathetic nervous system, your rest and restore mode. It may help reduce cortisol, regulate mood and improve sleep. Many people describe a deep sense of calm or relaxation after their session. It’s like a nervous system reset.
Acupuncture may support:
anxiety and stress
mood swings and emotional sensitivity
depression
sleep disturbances
fatigue and burnout
Specific point combinations are chosen based on your individual needs. Common Acupuncture points include
🌿 Yintang - calms the mind
🌿 Taichong (LR 3) - soothes frustration and emotional tension
🌿 Shenmen (HT 7) - nourishes the Heart and settles anxiety
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal formulas can support emotional resilience by nourishing the organ systems and balancing internal patterns. They’re always personalised to suit your unique needs.
Some commonly used formulas include:
🌿 Xiao Yao San - used for stress, mood swings and frustration
🌿 Gui Pi Tang - supports overthinking, anxiety, and fatigue
🌿 Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan – helps with insomnia and palpitations
Each blend works to restore internal balance—not just suppress symptoms.
What the Research Says
While Chinese Medicine is deeply rooted in tradition, research is starting to catch up and the findings are encouraging.
🔸 A 2021 study by Afrasiabi et al. found that auricular acupressure reduced burnout and secondary traumatic stress in healthcare workers.
🔸A 2023 meta-analysis by Rodrigues et al. concluded that integrating TCM into conventional care may improve mental health outcomes and enhance quality of life.
🔸 A randomised controlled trial by Liu et al. (2021) found that acupuncture improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety and depression in patients with chronic insomnia.
While more large-scale studies are needed, it’s promising to see science validate what many patients already experience: Chinese Medicine works.
And it doesn’t have to be either/or. TCM and Western medicine can work beautifully together. Whether you're seeing a psychologist, taking medication, or simply feeling stuck, Chinese Medicine can be a powerful and supportive part of your care.
Self-Care Tips
🌙 Qi Gong for 10-15 minutes
A gentle movement practice that blends breath, focus and slow, flowing movement. Qi Gong helps ease nervous tension, regulate emotions, and build energy without depleting you. Think of it as moving meditation.
Other calming practices like walking, gentle stretching, or slow yoga can also support your nervous system, especially when done with presence.
🌙 Food Therapy
The food you eat has a direct impact on your mood and energy. If you often feel cold, bloated, or anxious, you might benefit from warm, cooked foods that support your digestion.
Our favourites include soups, stews, congee, and grounding root vegetables. Foods like goji berries, walnuts and red dates are often used in Chinese Medicine to support the Heart and Spleen systems, especially during times of emotional stress or hormonal change.
🌙 Sleep Support
Stick to a consistent bedtime, limit screens in the evening, and consider calming rituals like warm herbal teas or foot soaks before bed.
Sleep is when your body repairs so it’s a non-negotiable for emotional healing.
Your Next Step Toward Balance
Your emotions are valid. And healing doesn’t have to be a lonely journey.
If you're ready to feel more calm, clear and connected, book a consultation and let’s create a treatment plan that supports your emotional wellbeing gently and naturally.
References
Afrasiabi, J., McCarty, R., Hayakawa, J., Barrows, J., Lee, K., Plouffe, N. and Schomberg, J., 2021. Effects of acupuncture and acupressure on burnout in health care workers: a randomized trial. Journal of Trauma Nursing| JTN, 28(6), pp.350-362.
Liu, C., Zhao, Y., Qin, S., Wang, X., Jiang, Y. and Wu, W., 2021. Randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for anxiety and depression in patients with chronic insomnia. Annals of translational medicine, 9(18), p.1426.
Rodrigues, J.M., Santos, C., Ribeiro, V., Silva, A., Lopes, L. and Machado, J.P., 2023. Mental health benefits of traditional Chinese medicine–An umbrella review of meta-analyses. Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative, 2, p.100013.
