Chinese Treatment for the Gene for Depression

Serotonin is a mood enhancer and neurotransmitter or "chemical messenger" released by the gene that controls emotional stability. Serotonin circulates in the brain and is connected to the central nervous system. According to Western doctors, malfunctions in serotonin levels leads to depression, which they treat using prescription drugs like Prozac, Lexapro and Zoloft to imitate the function of Serotonin in the brain. Chinese doctors on the other hand, have successfully treated depression through natural means.

Chinese Treatment

• Chinese Herbs

  Consult a certified acupuncture doctor and begin taking acupuncture and herbal treatments to treat the liver and balance your "Shen," or "waking consciousness." Chinese medicine attributes the causes of depression to liver qi stagnation and a disturbance or imbalance in a person's Shen, which is located in the heart. In Chinese medicine, qi is energy or the life force that provides vitality to our organs. Manipulating the acupuncture points connected to specific organs such as the liver promotes the proper circulation of qi in the body and reduces the symptoms of depression in a patient.

Licensed Acupuncturist

• Contact the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to find a licensed practitioner in your state. Your course of acupuncture treatment should last for at least 10 sessions.

Herbal Therapy

• Include herbal therapy treatments along with the acupuncture therapy. The Chinese herb, Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan, has been used for centuries by Chinese doctors to treat depression and mental disorders. The herb Bupleurum (chai hu), is included in Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan and is especially useful in treating mood disorders.

Herbs and Tonics

• Take herbs like dong quai to regulate proper liver function. Take daily tonics like Astragalus, Siberian ginseng and licorice. These are well-known herbs that aid in the proper circulation of serotonin in the brain. These herbs come in liquid and tablet form, so read the instructions on the label for proper dosage.

Tea

• Make tea using fo-ti-tieng leaves, which rejuvenates the brain and nervous system, and drink daily.

Healing Sounds

• Practice healing sounds daily to stimulate the movement of qi in the liver and heart. There are six healing sounds that are associated with body organs. These sounds activate the proper flow of qi and nourish organs. The healing sound for the liver is "shhhhhh," and the healing sound for the heart is "hawwwww."

Lifestyle

• Find positive ways to express your emotions instead of getting angry or frustrated.
  Avoid caffeine, alcohol and fried foods while taking herbs and acupuncture treatment.

  Eat nutrient-rich foods like seaweeds, sesame seeds and vegetables like cabbage, onions and cucumbers, which help to reduce the stagnation of qi. Exercise or ride a bicycle and take long walks daily.