May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year the theme is ‘loneliness’. One in four adults feels lonely some or all of the time. There is no single cause or one single solution – as we are all different! However, there may be some TCM remedies to help manage mental health disorders…
Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders are medical conditions that can disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning which can result in a diminishing capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, mental health disorders can cause a disruption in the flow of Qi. This imbalance can throw off the immune system or cause pain, sleep disturbances and headaches – to name a few. TCM does not recognise any mental disorder as one particular syndrome. Instead, it aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual to restore imbalances found in the body.
Acupuncture treatments can correct these imbalances and directly affect the way your body manages your mental health. Herbal medicine can also be effective at improving mental health, as well as using dietary therapy such as food supplements and mushroom nutrition.
TCM Treatment
As mental health disorders are such complex conditions, we recommend combining TCM treatment to offer your patient the best solution. Alongside using acupuncture and individual herbal prescriptions, practitioners may commonly use the following standard formulas to help the condition:
- Ba Zhen Tang
- Gui Pi Tang
- Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
- Jie Yu An Shen Pian
- Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
- Xiao Chai Hu Tang
- Si Ni San
Due to the complexity of each individual’s conditions, healthcare professionals may also want to combine formulas.
For herbalists wanting to prescribe tailor-made solutions for all conditions, we offer a bespoke in-house dispensary service. Please visit our dispensary website or contact dispensary@phoenixmedical.com.
Mushroom Nutrition
Mushroom nutrition is backed by dozens of studies that support their ability to support immune function, reduce inflammation, protect against cancer and more. While all medicinal mushrooms share similar compounds, each variety has its own subtle differences and unique benefits. Hericium, or Lion’s Mane, may be effective at boosting mental health.
Hericium mushroom is favoured for its brain-boosting ability and can improve the development and function of nerves, which may help to prevent conditions such as memory loss. It is the bioactive substances in the mushroom that have beneficial effects on the body, especially the brain.
Lion’s Mane may support cognitive health, memory and protects against cognitive decline by promoting the production of nerve growth factor; a chemical that is critical in the development and survival of neurons and regulating cells in the nervous system. It is the anti-inflammatory effects found in Hericium that may help to ease anxiety, reduce depression and improve sleep.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms can be enjoyed raw, cooked, dried or steeped as a tea. Many describe their flavour as “seafood-like,” often comparing it to crab or lobster, but one of the easiest ways to incorporate it into your lifestyle is in capsule or powder form.
Our Mycology Nutrition is a range of health mushrooms grown in California. The mushrooms are grown on organic oats, rather than rice, to avoid heavy metal contamination. As they are whole food products, they are simply milled to ensure better digestibility.
Hericium Mushroom Capsules: The 450mg capsules are perfect for patients who prefer a convenient solution. Each bottle contains 90 organic and gluten-free capsules.
Hericium Mushroom Powder: The 120gram whole food powder can be added to tea, cereal, soups, shakes and more!
If you would like to know more about any of the information provided, please contact marketing@phoenixmedical.com. All products mentioned are available to purchase on our online shop.
Disclaimer: Please note that this information is intended for qualified herbalists only. If you are a patient, please consult your practitioner for a diagnosis as these formulas may not be suitable for you. If you would like us to recommend a herbalist who uses Phoenix Medical products, contact us at info@phoenixmedical.com and we will gladly assist you.
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