European Depression Day: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

As European Depression Day approaches on 4 October, we take the opportunity to raise awareness about depression and the importance of speaking openly about mental health.

Depression is more than feeling sad. It can affect energy, motivation, sleep, appetite, concentration and the way a person experiences everyday life. While depression is a recognised mental health condition that may require psychological and medical support, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a complementary perspective on emotional wellbeing.

How Does Chinese Medicine Understand Depression?

Traditional Chinese Medicine does not have a single diagnosis that corresponds exactly to depression. Instead, it looks at the individual pattern behind the symptoms.

Emotions, sleep, digestion and energy are considered interconnected, with organs such as the Liver, Heart and Spleen, as well as Qi, Blood and the Shen (Mind or Spirit), playing important roles in emotional balance.

This means that two people experiencing similar symptoms may present very different TCM patterns — and therefore require different therapeutic approaches.

When Emotions Feel “Stuck”

One of the patterns frequently associated with emotional distress is Liver Qi Stagnation.

According to TCM theory, the Liver helps maintain the smooth movement of Qi. When this movement becomes constrained, a person may experience low mood, irritability, frequent sighing, emotional tension or digestive symptoms that worsen with stress.

Xiao Yao San (逍遥散) is a classical formula traditionally used to regulate Liver Qi while supporting the Spleen and nourishing Blood. Its composition includes herbs such as Chai Hu, Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Bai Zhu and Fu Ling.

When Exhaustion Takes Over

Not every emotional imbalance comes from stagnation. Sometimes the picture is dominated by depletion.

Persistent fatigue, excessive worry, poor concentration, reduced appetite, palpitations and disturbed sleep may be associated, in TCM, with Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency.

Gui Pi Tang (归脾汤) is traditionally associated with this pattern, combining herbs that support Qi and Blood while nourishing and calming the Shen.

When the Mind Cannot Settle

Sleep and emotional wellbeing are closely connected.

When Blood or Yin is insufficient to nourish the Shen, a person may feel tired but unable to truly rest, experiencing insomnia, restlessness, irritability or palpitations.

Suan Zao Ren Tang (酸枣仁汤) is a classical formula traditionally used for certain patterns of disturbed sleep and restlessness. Its principal herb, Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphi spinosae Semen), is traditionally used to nourish Liver Blood and calm the Shen.

Another classical formula, Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (甘麦大枣汤), has traditionally been used in particular patterns characterised by emotional sensitivity and restlessness.

One Diagnosis, Different Patterns

This is one of the fundamental principles of Chinese Medicine: the same symptom does not always have the same underlying cause.

For this reason, there is no single Chinese herb or formula “for depression”.

A practitioner may identify Liver Qi Stagnation in one person, Qi and Blood Deficiency in another, or a more complex combination of patterns in someone else.

The pattern comes first. The formula follows.

Herbal medicine should therefore be selected according to an individual assessment rather than solely on the basis of a Western diagnosis.

An Integrative Approach to Emotional Wellbeing

Chinese Medicine also looks beyond herbal medicine. Sleep, nourishment, physical activity, acupuncture and everyday habits may all form part of a broader approach to supporting emotional wellbeing.

At the same time, depression is a real and potentially serious mental health condition. Traditional Chinese Medicine should not replace appropriate psychological or medical care, but may be explored as part of an integrative approach under the guidance of qualified professionals.

This European Depression Day, we are reminded of the importance of talking openly about mental health, reducing stigma and recognising that seeking support matters.

At VENTUS Clinicals, we believe that the holistic perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine can contribute to a broader understanding of wellbeing — one that considers the body and mind as deeply interconnected.

Explore our range of traditional Chinese herbal formulas and individual herbs to discover more about the principles of Chinese herbal medicine.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Chinese herbal formulas should be selected with the guidance of an appropriately qualified practitioner, particularly when taking prescription medication. Do not discontinue or alter prescribed medication without consulting the healthcare professional responsible for your treatment.