Case Study: Integrated TCM Therapy for Severe Depression

Written By 小朋友 张

Patient: Female, 61 years old
First Visit: December 17, 2018
Chief Complaints:

  • Depression for 8 years, worsening over the past 2 years with suicidal thoughts.

  • Chronic fatigue, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) every August for 10 years (treated with long-term antibiotics, leading to spleen-kidney yang deficiency).

  • Emotional trauma: Husband passed away from brain cancer 15 years ago; mother passed away 2 years ago.

TCM Diagnosis:

  • Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency (脾肾阳虚)

  • Pulse: Deep, thin, weak (right guan-chi positions)

  • Tongue: Pale with white coating, +++ sublingual stasis (舌下瘀+++)

Treatment Protocol:

1. Herbal Prescription:

  • Zhenwu Tang (真武汤) + Buzhong Yiqi Tang (补中益气汤) + Sanqi (三七)

  • Form: Hong Kong Nong’s Granules (5g/dose, twice daily with warm water).

2. Mind-Body Practices:

  • Fengyang Tai Chi & Qigong (凤阳太极桩功, 1 hour daily).

  • Baisui Gongcheng (百岁工程) Wellness Techniques:

    • Moxa-Soaked Foot Baths (艾叶泡脚) to warm yang.

    • Abdominal Breathing Exercises (腹式呼吸补脑法) to nourish the brain.

3. Preventive Maintenance:

  • Since recovery, annual Wuling San (五苓散) prophylaxis (200g in July) to prevent UTIs.

Outcome (2025 Follow-Up):

  • Depression fully resolved, no recurrence of UTIs.

  • Patient (now 68) enjoys life, spends weekends with grandchildren, and maintains robust energy.

Analysis: Promoting TCM for Preventive Mental Health & Global "Health China" Strategy

1. "Treating the Untreated" (治未病) for Depression Prevention

  • Holistic Approach: Combine herbal therapy (e.g., Zhenwu Tang for yang deficiency) + mind-body practices (Tai Chi/Qigong) to address root causes (e.g., emotional trauma, organ dysfunction).

  • Scientific Validation: Document cases with measurable outcomes (e.g., symptom resolution, reduced antibiotic use) to support evidence-based TCM.

2. Standardizing & Scaling Mind-Body Interventions

  • Fengyang Tai Chi/Qigong: Develop certified training programs for depression management, emphasizing its regulatory effects on qi stagnation and neuroendocrine balance.

  • Baisui Gongcheng Techniques: Promote as a low-cost, accessible self-care routine (e.g., moxa foot baths for yang deficiency, breathing exercises for stress).

3. Global "Health Silk Road" Deployment

  • "One Belt, One Road" Integration:

    • Partner with overseas TCM clinics to offer depression prevention packages (herbs + Tai Chi).

    • Train local instructors in Fengyang Tai Chi/Qigong to foster cultural exchange.

  • Digital Health Platforms: Create apps with TCM wellness protocols (e.g., guided Qigong, herbal reminders).

4. Policy & Community Engagement

  • Government Collaboration: Advocate for TCM inclusion in national mental health programs, emphasizing cost-effectiveness.

  • Public Campaigns: Use success stories (like this case) to educate on TCM’s role in chronic disease prevention.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates TCM’s potential to reverse severe depression and chronic illness through yang-tonifying herbs, movement therapy, and lifestyle medicine. Scaling such models under China’s "Healthy China 2030" and Belt & Road Initiative can position TCM as a global leader in preventive, integrative mental healthcare.

Next Steps:

  • Conduct clinical trials to validate protocols.

  • Publish case studies in international journals.

  • Develop multilingual wellness manuals for global audiences.

小朋友 张
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