The passing of Robyn Williams has rocked so many of us. In my practice it has been the topic this week. Understanding depression is sometimes hard for some of use to grasp and it can be a black hole for those who suffer with the mental disorder.
I wanted to educate those on how acupuncture and herbal medicine can help with depression.

Understanding the meaning of Spirit

In Chinese Medicine, Spirit is conscious awareness, the more emotional and elusive aspect of being. The body must be in a good state of health, and there must be sufficient nourishment and balance for the spirit (mind) to be at peace. When improper diet, extreme emotions, trauma, and external diseases injure the body, the spirit does not have a comfortable place to rest. The mind floats and becomes restless. To address this problem, we balance the underlying problem, (the body) and in the meantime we also calm the spirit (mind). Thus, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, we treat the cause of the depression AND we calm the spirit so that the patient feels happier and more at peace.