In Western terms, mental disorders may be associated with chemical imbalances in the brain, the impact of stressors or a combination of other factors. Traditional Western treatment using pharmaceuticals alone is often ineffective and patients are prone to developing drug dependencies. Many patients seek some form of psychotherapy as an adjunct to medication. While we believe psychotherapy to be of utmost importance, it is our view that conventional Western medication may not only be ineffective, but may potentially hinder treatment.

Those with mental health issues should not avoid addressing the organic or physical causes of mental disorders. In fact, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treats both physical and mental health at the same time. Using acupuncture and herbal medicines can effectively rebalance the entire body, including the brain. TCM combined with psychotherapy has been proven to be an effective course of treatment for the promotion and maintenance of mental health, including depression, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder, stress, and other issues as well.

For a list of articles related to TCM and mental health issues please visit Chinese Medical Psychiatry. Although written for health care practitioners, there are some studies demonstrating the efficacy of TCM and mental health disorders.