I’ve been more frequently hearing of heightened feelings of anxiety and depression from my patients. When questioning them further, there seems to be a theme as they describe this time of increased polarization within the nation and amongst our community or within their families. July Fourth has recently passed, which typically brings up the gratitude we may feel for our country’s independence and all that has gone and goes into it. The gratitude seems tainted with despair from the separation people are feeling due to the political and social climate as well as a persistent pandemic. These broader concerns and the divisiveness amongst us that they cause are affecting our daily moods.
Stress in the System
Chinese Medicine has historically understood the body as part of the natural world in terms of yin and yang or simply speaking, opposites. There is up and down, left and right, hot and cold, active and still. And the body includes the physical, mental and emotional aspects of us. It is natural and necessary to have opposites, yet the opposites only exist within the whole. Many are familiar with the yin/yang symbol, two opposing halves within a circle. Having the opposition keeps the balance on the whole. In Chinese medical terms, when the separation of yin and yang is too great, the whole can’t survive. If the body becomes too cold and can’t warm itself up, its systems will shut down and will no longer function.
Whether we are describing the body, an engine, or a nation, there is stress when pressure and tension are exerted, from an external or an internal source. It is natural to have opposing forces or perspectives, though when this becomes more extreme or persists for an extended time it causes accumulative stress that eventually erodes the whole. Keep aware of the oil and coolant levels in your vehicle on those summer road trips, right. Watch the dog rest on the couch after taking the long walk. Our body typically regulates itself without our conscious thought and we also make choices to balance our stressors.
Move the Stagnation
Seeing this time of increased anxiety and depression in my patients is concerning. We’re each feeling the stress happening near and far. Many of us already live in a state of daily stress and are feeling overwhelmed by the accumulation around us. We may have strong feelings but also feel powerless and stuck. I’m seeing people who seem like their teapot is boiling and there’s no release of the steam. Acupuncture can be helpful to release the tension building up. Also, massage, yoga, or taking a long walk in the woods will help to move the stagnation. Any form of exercise that one enjoys is encouraged at these stressful times.
In the Chinese medical language, the Liver organ system helps detoxify chemicals in the body as well as helps keep the tension between thoughts and feelings from becoming overwhelming and damaging. This is a broader understanding of the Liver rather than solely the physical organ. When the Liver becomes overburdened, there may be physical as well as mental illness. I am often stimulating acupuncture points to support the health of the Liver in my treatment room when one is feeling overwhelmed and experiencing low moods, anxiety, and even panic. I may do the same if the Liver (according to Chinese Medicine) is overburdened and causing headaches or heartburn or high blood pressure.
Part of the Whole
It may help to remember that we are all part of the group, we all want to prosper though may have different opinions on how that can happen. There is natural back and forth amongst us, as is so when thinking in terms of yin and yang. We can express strong feelings while holding respect and care for the other and the whole. It feels relieving to let go of one’s individual self at times and focus more attention on the group. While watching the parade and the crowd in Montpelier the other day, I felt a sense of care for the group as a whole. That feeling encompasses and goes beyond our differences. I hope you know the feeling too.