Herbal Remedies
In Chinese medicine, several herbs are usually combined to calm and settle the shen/spirit, in order to restore healthy sleep patterns, clear thoughts and reduce anxiety, irritability and restlessness. A wide variety of herbs are available. Primary herbs include:
Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed)
Mu Li (Oyster Shell)
Zhen Zhu Mu (Mother of Pearl)
In preparing herbal prescriptions, herbs may also be added to address other accompanying or underlying health issues in order to achieve optimal healing. For example, if feelings of stress and anxiety are accompanied by digestive problems or even hot flashes, then a formula would be prepared to address all of these issues simultaneously.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture also offers an additional course of treatment for relief, whether alongside herbal remedies or on its own. Acupuncture points are selected from more than 1,000 points on the body and gently stimulated. This in turn stimulates the central nervous system which assists the body in restoring its self-regulating systems.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that is primarily practised for its health benefits. Tai Chi emphasises complete relaxation and is essentially a form of 'meditation in motion'. It is characterised by soft, slow, flowing movements.
Dietary recommendations
As with any health-care programme to resolve ill health, diet plays an important role. A number of foods can assist in the management of stress and anxiety.
These include:
Grains: whole wheat, brown rice, oats
Vegetables and their juices: mushroom, cucumber, celery, lettuce
Spices: dill, basil
Teas: chamomile, valerian, rose hips
Milk (cow and goat)
Wheat germ
Foods to avoid include: alcohol, coffee and cigarettes.
Lifestyle recommendations
Daily practices that calm and nurture the spirit such as prayer, meditation, silent contemplation, mantras, chanting and various relaxed and mindful processes that promote self-reflection and quiet. Your physical, as well as emotional environment, is another key factor. Try to avoid excessive pollution or noise, harmful speech and relationships that are more a burden than a joy.