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Chinese philosophy understands depression results from blocked or stagnant Liver Qi. Let's see what else we can discover when broadening the lens and perspective.
My belief is that depression arises from a disconnection from divinity. The soul is our divine connection. When we become disconnected from our essence, depression can manifest as an emotional expression of this estrangement.
Depression is seen in some traditions as the result of unresolved shadow. Our shadow self, a concept popularised by Carl Jung, represents the parts of ourselves that we suppress or deny, often because those parts make us uncomfortable or are seen as socially unacceptable. When these aspects of ourselves are not integrated, they can lead to inner conflict, guilt, shame, and ultimately depression.
Many traditions view depression as a potential catalyst for transformation and spiritual awakening. The feelings of emptiness, confusion, and despair that often accompany depression can serve as invitations to delve deeper into our inner world and uncover profound spiritual truths. This is what is often referred as the “Dark Night of the Soul”. This is a period of deep existential and spiritual crisis, where we feel lost, abandoned, and disconnected from the divine.
Often characterised by intense depression, the Dark Night of the Soul is, for many, a necessary stage in the journey toward spiritual enlightenment. It is through this darkness that we have the opportunity to break free from old patterns, beliefs, and attachments, ultimately leading to a deeper connection with ourselves, our soul and the divine.
The Dark Night of the Soul often precedes a rediscovering of our inner light, which is our internal divine spark. We emerge from this dark period to experience a renewed sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to life, having shed what no longer serves us.
We feel depressed when we are stuck in misaligned situations, relationships, or careers. Signs of Misalignment:
Quieting the mind allows us to listen to our inner wisdom. Writing feelings, desires, and experiences into a journal can help us explore the deeper reasons behind our depression and identify areas where we are out of alignment with ourselves and our sense of purpose.
Depression is primarily linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals play crucial roles in regulating mood, motivation, and overall mental health. Reduced levels of these neurotransmitters can lead to symptoms such as persistent sadness, fatigue, and anhedonia (loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed):
Chronic stress is a significant contributor to the development of depression. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones such as cortisol can damage the brain's hippocampus, a region critical for memory and emotional regulation. This damage can lead to the onset of depressive symptoms.
Recent research has highlighted the role of inflammation in depression. Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are often elevated in individuals with depression. This suggests that depression may, in part, be an inflammatory condition, where the body's immune response contributes to the mental and emotional symptoms experienced.
Understanding depression through the Five Elements framework allows practitioners to identify which element or elements are out of balance and tailor treatments accordingly.
Wood Element: Liver and Gallbladder
The Wood element is linked to the Liver and Gallbladder, which are responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. The Liver, in particular, plays a crucial role in emotional regulation and is associated with the emotion of anger. An imbalanced Wood element can lead to Liver Qi stagnation, which is one of the most common causes of depression in this system.
Symptoms of Wood Imbalance: We may experience feelings of irritability, frustration, and anger. Physically, this can manifest as tension in the neck and shoulders, headaches, and digestive issues. Emotionally, there is a sense of being "stuck" or unable to move forward, which can lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness.
Depression and the Wood Element: Depression associated with the Wood element often arises from unexpressed or unresolved anger. This stagnation can lead to a chronic state of frustration and irritability, which, over time, depletes the body's energy reserves and contributes to depressive symptoms.
Fire Element: Heart and Small Intestine
The Fire element governs the Heart and Small Intestine and is associated with the emotion of joy. The Heart is the seat of the Shen (spirit) and is responsible for emotional balance and mental clarity. When the Fire element is out of balance, it can manifest as either excess (Heart Fire) or deficiency (Heart Qi deficiency), both of which can contribute to depression.
Symptoms of Fire Imbalance: Excessive Heart Fire can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, and restlessness. On the other hand, Heart Qi deficiency might present as a lack of joy, emotional numbness, and a sense of disconnection from others.
Depression and the Fire Element: Depression related to the Fire element often manifests as a loss of joy and enthusiasm for life. This can lead to feelings of emptiness, isolation, and deep sadness. In cases of Heart Fire, the individual may also experience anxiety and agitation, contributing to a more complex emotional state.
Key Meridian Point:
PC6 (Neiguan Inner Pass): Calms the Heart, alleviates anxiety, and supports mental clarity. Can help to open the chest, regulate Heart Qi and Blood.
It calms the mind, harmonises Stomach Qi, and improves our body’s general circulation.
It is also used to remove ‘damp’ from the body.
Earth Element: Spleen and Stomach
The Earth element is linked to the Spleen and Stomach, which are crucial for digestion and the production of Qi and blood. The emotion is worry or overthinking. When out of balance, it can lead to Spleen Qi deficiency, which contributes to both physical and emotional symptoms of depression.
Symptoms of Earth Imbalance: chronic fatigue, digestive issues, weight gain, and a tendency to worry excessively. Emotionally, we may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and unable to cope with daily life, leading to a depressive state.
Depression and the Earth Element: Depression associated with Earth element feels like overwhelm and being bogged down by life's challenges. We may feel mentally and physically exhausted, with a heavy sense of worry and despair.
Key Meridian Point:
ST36 (Zusanli): Boosts energy, improves digestion, and supports overall vitality.
This point can help with digestive problems, support the immune system, but most importantly for depression, it tops up your energy and eliminates fatigue.
It is located on the outside of the leg, one hand width below the bottom of the kneecap, just to the outside of the tibia (shinbone).
Metal Element: Lungs and Large Intestine
The Metal element is connected to the Lungs and Large Intestine, and it governs the body's ability to take in and let go, both physically and emotionally. The associated emotion is grief or sadness. When the Metal element is imbalanced, it can lead to Lung Qi deficiency or stagnation, which are common contributors to depression.
Symptoms of Metal Imbalance: A Metal imbalance might present as chronic respiratory issues, a weakened immune system, or constipation. Emotionally, individuals may experience prolonged grief, difficulty letting go of past experiences, and a sense of isolation.
Depression and the Metal Element: Depression related to the Metal element often manifests as deep, unresolved grief or sadness. The individual may have difficulty moving on from loss or change, leading to a pervasive sense of melancholy and despair.
LU1 helps to strengthen the energy of the chest, allowing you to breathe deeply, and opens us up to face the world. This point is especially helpful for people who have been through recent grief or loss.
Find the most sensitive point, and hold for 1-2 minutes while breathing deeply.
LU7 clears the mind and lifts the mood, so is great for the heavy head one has when feeling depressed. It is found on the thumb side of the forearm, an inch and a half back from the wrist crease. Massage the area for a couple of minutes in small circles.
Water Element: Kidneys and Bladder
The Water element governs the Kidneys and Bladder, which are responsible for storing Jing and regulating the body's water metabolism. Fear is the associated emotion. An imbalance in the Water element, particularly Kidney Qi or Yin deficiency, can contribute to depression, especially when fear and insecurity dominate.
Symptoms of Water Imbalance: Symptoms of a Water element imbalance include lower back pain, frequent urination, night sweats, and feelings of fear or insecurity. Emotionally, the individual may feel fearful, withdrawn, and unable to face challenges, leading to a sense of hopelessness.
Depression and the Water Element: Depression associated with the Water element is often feels like a deep-seated fear, insecurity, and a lack of willpower. We may feel overwhelmed by life's demands and uncertain about our future, which can lead to chronic depression.
KI1 (Gushing Spring) Found on the sole of the foot, in the depression in the middle directly behind the front foot pad.
This point is useful when you lack the stamina or willpower to keep going, allowing you to draw on deep reserves of energy to give you a kick start.
It also helps to bring down energy from the head, putting a stop to the over-thinking and rumination often associated with depression.