TCM and Ayurveda: Age-Old Remedies for Modern Anxiety

Despite the advent of modern medicines and psychotherapy techniques, a growing number of women are turning to herbs from the ancient healing practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda for relief from their anxiety. Promoters of these supplements promise natural, holistic solutions to a wide range of women’s health problems, and sometimes, they deliver. While the intention behind these products is commendable, the question that lingers in the minds of skeptics and curious individuals alike is, “Will they work for me?” This article explores why the answer to that question is not as straight-forward as you might like.

The Holistic Approach: TCM and Ayurveda

Our bodies are unique, complex systems, each with its own set of characteristics, strengths, and vulnerabilities. This concept forms the foundation of both TCM and Ayurveda, two ancient medical systems that emphasis treating the individual as a whole, and not just the symptoms.

These ancient medical systems are not about quick fixes. They are systematic, patient-centric, and holistic healing methodologies that have evolved over thousands of years. They consider not just the symptoms but the root cause of any ailment, taking into account the person’s overall health, lifestyle, and background.

In TCM, health is perceived as a balance of yin and yang, two opposing yet complementary forces. Illness arises when these forces become unbalanced. Each individual has a unique combination of these forces, alongside five fundamental elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements, in turn, influence the body’s ‘qi’, or life force. Therefore, to restore balance and health, TCM practitioners must understand and address the unique yin-yang and elemental balance of each individual. A range of TCM strategies will generally be recommended to restore the balance, which may include dietary modifications, Quigong, acupuncture, and herbal remedies.

“When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” – Ayurvedic proverb

Similarly, Ayurveda considers each person as a unique combination of three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. These doshas govern physical and mental processes and, when balanced, result in wellbeing. When one or more of these doshas are out of balance, disease can occur. Ayurveda practitioners work to bring these doshas back into balance, thereby restoring health. Ayurvedic practitioners will also typically recommend a range of treatments, including dietary and other lifestyle modifications, meditation, and yoga, alongside any herbal supplements.

Why Simply Taking a Supplement is Not the Best Approach

When we consider the complex, individual nature of health from these perspectives, the limitations of taking an off-the-shelf supplement become clear: a supplement that may have beneficial effects for one individual could potentially exacerbate an imbalance in another.

For example, let’s consider a supplement marketed for anxiety as a result of hormonal balance in women, which might contain dong quai, a herb commonly used in TCM. While dong quai can indeed support hormonal balance, it’s also a warming herb, according to TCM. So, for a woman whose TCM profile leans towards excess heat, taking such a supplement may actually exacerbate her imbalance, potentially worsening her symptoms.

Similarly, an Ayurvedic supplement designed to support female mental health might contain ashwagandha, a renowned adaptogen which helps the body adapt to stress. But ashwagandha increases the Kapha dosha, which can lead to imbalances in women with a Kapha-dominant constitution. This may lead to symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, and depression. And if you’re prone to brain fog (especially accompanied by feelings of suppressed anger), or you tend towards irritation, frustration, or depressed mood, ashwaghanda is likely to make your symptoms worse.

When you take TCM or Ayurvedic supplements without a proper consultation, it’s like shooting arrows in the dark. Without understanding your body type, current health status, and the root causes of your symptoms, you risk exacerbating your conditions rather than improving them.

This is why it’s crucial to take these supplements under the guidance of a qualified TCM or Ayurveda practitioner. Practitioners of either of these systems will perform a comprehensive assessment of your health, lifestyle, and symptoms and then they will design a bespoke treatment plan to address your unique health needs, and restore balance. This could include a mix of dietary changes, exercises, lifestyle modifications, and yes, specific supplements that are safe and effective for you.

In the quest for wellness, it’s easy to get drawn into the allure of natural supplements. But it’s important to remember that even natural substances can have side effects, especially when used improperly. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda are powerful systems of healing, but they require knowledge, respect, and personalised care to be used safely and effectively. So, before you add that random TCM or Ayurvedic supplement to your cart, consider seeking the advice of a qualified practitioner. They can help you navigate these ancient medicinal systems in a way that truly nurtures your health and well-being. After all, holistic health is about the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Stay well, stay informed, and remember to give potential solutions for your mental wellbeing the time and attention you deserve.