The Research In Wood And Earth Theory For The Treatment In The Depression

Objective:To further debate the use of theories involving the Earth-Wood relationship in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of clinical depression.Method:Collect and reorganize literary sources involving the Earth-Wood relationship, and to clarify the essence of the Earth-Wood relationship in the Five Phase framework of inter-generation and inter-subjugation. Next, discuss the clinical importance of the Earth-Wood relationship in the diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression, taking into account the views of modern biomedicine as well as Chinese medicine with regard to such diseases, making sure to make mention of the difficulties present and the future road ahead.Results:From the literary sources, we know that within the Five Phases framework, the Spleen is associated with Earth, and its main physiological function is transportation and transformation; we also know that the Liver is associated with coursing, and that the coursing function of the Liver facilitates upward-downward movement of the Spleen-Stomach as well as the secretion of bile by the Gallbladder, hence maintaining normal digestive and absorptive function. If the Liver looses its function to course, the abovementioned functions of the Spleen-Stomach and Gallbladder, leading to digestive problems e.g. reduced appetite, poor absorption of food, regurgitation and abdominal distension. These presentations are known in Chinese medicine as, Liver-Stomach Disharmony or Liver-Spleen Disharmony.This paper also takes one step further to discuss in detail the Earth-Wood relationship from four angles:Wood not coursing the Earth; Wood in Excess dominating the Earth; Wood not nourishing Wood and; Earth retaliates against Wood.What is known in modern biomedicine as clinical depression belongs to the domain of Yu Zheng in Chinese medicine. Clinical depression has become the intractable disease of the twenty-first century. The strong side-effects that come with the use of pharmaceutical medicine have moved the spotlight onto the use of Chinese medicine, a modality that is highly effective and with reduced toxicity.Research tells us of the importance of the Earth-Wood relationship in the diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression. The classic Shang Han Lun and subsequent writings by later doctors provide useful clinical guidance, especially in the area of herbal formulation. Conclusion:In looking deeper in the Shang Han Lun, Earth-Wood theories and herbal formulations treat disease of the mind present can be found and used as a theoretical basis for treating clinical depression.