Content Sources:
1. Huang Zhen, Li Hong. (2018). Research progress on the relationship between workplace stress and depression. Chinese Journal of Mental Health.
2. Zhou Xinyu, Wang Weijia. (2019). Analysis of Psychosocial Factors of Depression in Urban Workplace Population. Social Psychological Science.
3. Zhao Yufang, Zhang Lihua. (2020). Prevention and Intervention of Depressive Mood in Professionals in Modern Society. Chinese Journal of Health Psychology.
Depression is a hot topic at the moment, and it seems that as the environmental pressures in which we live continue to increase, the problem has become more common, and the various tragedies caused by such diseases around us are all heartbreaking. But in fact, from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, there may be different ideas about the interpretation of depression.
Su Yu is a Wenzhou guy, usually optimistic and cheerful, and works hard. However, in the last month, he has felt extremely tired and has no hobbies, and he has been reluctant to step out of the house for many days. He thought it was caused by the fatigue accumulated from long hours of work, but he didn't expect it to get worse, and he began to suspect that he was suffering from depression.
At first, Su Yu tried to adjust himself through exercise, lifestyle changes and other methods, but it seemed to have little effect. His friends also began to notice the change in him, and they advised Su Yu to see a doctor. So after some struggle, Su Yu decided to seek medical advice, but he did not choose Western medicine, but chose Chinese medicine.
Yu visited an antique Chinese medicine shop on the recommendation of a friend, and as soon as he entered, he was surrounded by the strong aroma of herbs inside. The patient was an elderly Chinese medicine doctor, and after some inquiry, he told Su Yu that his condition was actually caused by a deficiency of the spleen.
At that time, Su Yu was skeptical about the diagnosis of the old Chinese medicine doctor. In today's fast-paced, high-stress life, it has become almost normal to talk about psychological problems such as depression. And Su Yu was also deeply affected, he firmly believed that he was depressed because of the pressure and fatigue for a long time.
However, when the old Chinese medicine doctor told him that it was actually due to physical and mental exhaustion caused by a weak spleen, he couldn't believe it. The word spleen deficiency doesn't sound like it has anything to do with emotions, and it can even be said to be far from it, and the old Chinese medicine practitioner's statement makes him inevitably a little unbelievable.
The old Chinese medicine doctor did not directly treat Su Yu with medication, but first took him to understand the role of the spleen and the concept of "spleen deficiency" in Chinese medicine. Su Yu gradually understood that the "spleen" in Chinese medicine is not only the spleen in Western medicine anatomy, but a system responsible for digestion and absorption and the transportation of qi and blood. Spleen deficiency means that the function of this system is low, which leads to a series of physical and mental problems.
In fact, there is such a person around us who is more likely to have depression than ordinary people, and it deserves special attention.
Depression is a complex mood disorder with multifaceted causes, including biological, psychological, and social environments. Research shows that although depression can affect anyone, one group of people is more susceptible to it, namely those with higher levels of stress and fewer support systems.
This group includes urban professionals who face high career pressure, fast pace of life, weak social networks, and lack of emotional support. They often feel stressed to cope with increasing job responsibilities and societal expectations, and may be relatively lacking in interpersonal and emotional support.
The high demands of the work environment and the pressure of working for long periods of time can lead to a constant state of psychological tension in an individual, which can easily be transformed into depression if not effectively adjusted and alleviated. At the same time, the fierce competition faced by urban professionals often requires them to make more efforts than ordinary people to adapt and devote themselves to work, and this long-term mental stress and physical exhaustion are also important factors that lead to depression.
Coupled with the fast-paced life of modern society, communication between people is more online, and real interpersonal relationships and deep emotional support have become relatively scarce. The lack of emotional catharsis and social support networks makes them more likely to feel isolated and helpless in the face of stress and frustration, and unable to receive effective psychological comfort and help.
In addition, some people in this group may experience additional stressors such as workplace injustice, risk of unemployment, and conflicts between work and family life, all of which can further exacerbate their psychological burden and increase their risk of depression. When depression is not effectively intervened and treated for a long time, it will not only affect the individual's work performance and interpersonal relationships, but also may lead to more serious mental and physical health problems.
Then, the old Chinese medicine doctor prescribed Su Yu a prescription to regulate his temper and suggested that he adjust his diet to avoid overwork. Although he still had doubts in his heart, Su Yu decided to give it a try.
After taking the medicine for a month, Su Yu was surprised to find that his symptoms had been alleviated. Not only has my energy returned, but my interest in daily life has gradually returned. He began to be willing to communicate with people, and even took the initiative to go out for walks and exercise on weekends. This change not only surprised him, but even his friends noticed the change.
After a few months of conditioning, Su Yu completely got rid of his previous decadent state. Friends were happy to see his changes, and they asked him for advice, and every time it came to this moment, Su Yu would always proudly say: No, the answer is this prescription.
Spleen deficiency is a common syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine, which mainly manifests as symptoms such as indigestion, loss of appetite, fatigue, yellowish complexion, and loose stools. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen and stomach are responsible for the digestion and absorption of food and the transformation and transportation of nutrients to the whole body, so a healthy spleen is essential for the health of the whole human body. There are many traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for improving spleen deficiency, but the most famous and widely used one is the "Four Gentlemen's Soup".
Sijunzi Tang originated from the Song Dynasty medical masterpiece "Taiping Huimin and Pharmacy Formula", which is composed of ginseng, atractylodes, poria cocos and licorice, which is specially used to tonify the spleen and invigorate qi. Let's take a closer look at this recipe and its effect on improving spleen deficiency.
1. Composition of medicinal materials and their functions
Ginseng: Ginseng is the first of the qi tonic medicines, which can vigorously replenish vitality and has a significant effect on weak spleen, tiredness and weakness.
Atractylodes: It can strengthen the spleen and dampness, replenish qi and strengthen the surface, and has a good effect on dealing with fatigue, loss of appetite, loose stool and diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency.
Poria cocos: Poria cocos returns to the spleen meridian, which can strengthen the spleen and infiltrate dampness, calm the heart and calm the nerves, and is suitable for body edema caused by spleen deficiency, as well as mental restlessness.
Licorice: Licorice can tonify the spleen and invigorate qi, reconcile various medicines, and is used for symptoms such as weakness of the spleen and stomach, fatigue and fatigue, and palpitations.
2. Compatibility principle and mechanism of action
Through the great replenishment of ginseng, the spleen and dampness of Atractylodes, the spleen and dampness of Poria cocos, and the harmony of licorice and the effect of tonifying the spleen and spleen, the effect of tonifying the spleen and nourishing the stomach is achieved together.
By enhancing the transport function of the spleen and stomach, it improves appetite and promotes the absorption of nutrients, thereby improving fatigue and fatigue, and improving the body's immunity and adaptability. This recipe exquisitely embodies the therapeutic principle of traditional Chinese medicine of "replenishing the middle to strengthen the right, storing the righteous qi in the body, and not doing evil".
3. Indications and precautions
The soup of the four gentlemen is mainly used to treat weak temper, which is manifested as yellowish complexion, tiredness, loss of appetite, loose stools, etc. Although the Four Gentlemen's Soup is effective, it should not be abused. When using traditional Chinese medicine for treatment, especially tonic drugs, it must be used according to the individual's constitution and condition, according to the doctor's instructions. In addition, if the patient has damp-heat accumulation, phlegm-dampness blockage, etc., the prescription should be adjusted or other prescriptions should be used.
Modern studies have shown that the ingredients in Sijunzi soup can promote the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, improve the activity of digestive enzymes, and affect the microecological environment in the intestines, so as to improve the absorption and utilization of nutrients through these ways, so as to exert the effect of tonifying the spleen and invigorating qi.
To sum up, Sijunzi Soup, as a classic spleen tonic formula, has an irreplaceable position in the clinical treatment of spleen deficiency syndrome. However, traditional Chinese medicine treatment focuses on syndrome differentiation and treatment, so when using Sijunzi decoction, it is still necessary to combine the specific situation, follow the doctor's instructions, and achieve rational use of medicine. At the same time, strengthening daily diet management and moderate exercise are also important measures to improve spleen deficiency and improve physical health.