PSYCH X TCM
Depression Programme
The natural, alternative way for managing depression
PULSE+ is at the forefront of integration of East and West medicine approaches, with the focus on helping clients achieve natural, holistic healing. You thus have the option of adding on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to complement our psychologist services.
TCM treatments such as acupuncture and herbal remedies have been long used in China for depression and other mental health concerns. They have also been supported by research evidence from clinical trialss as effective in reducing symptoms of depression.
Benefits
Psychotherapy using approaches such as Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and Behavioural Activation is a medical ‘gold standard’ treatment for depression backed by strong research evidence of effectiveness.
TCM treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medications have been widely used in China to treat depression for centuries. Their effectiveness has also been supported by clinical research.
Depression from a TCM Perspective
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views depression and emotional imbalances as connected to disturbances in Qi (vital life energy that flows through the body) and functioning of internal organs.
Different organs are believed to be involved in regulating different emotions.
Weakened functioning of organs can impact our emotional health and potentially contribute to symptoms of depression.
Vice versa, excessive worry, stress, sadness or any excessive emotions can also harm the functioning of internal organs and cause blockages in Qi energy.
The following are examples of some TCM imbalances that are commonly associated with depression.
Liver Qi Stagnation
Most common imbalance associated with depression
Symptoms
- Persistent sadness
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Frustration
- Chest tightness
Heart Deficiency
Emotional stress and fatigue disrupting the state of mind, which is housed in the heart
Symptoms
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations
- Forgetfulness
- Anxiety
- Night sweats
Spleen Deficiency
Triggered by excessive worry and overthinking
Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Overthinking, worry & suspicion
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Forgetfulness
- Poor appetite
- Insomnia
Note that this list is not exhaustive and there are other types of imbalances that can also contribute to depressive symptoms. Your physician will conduct a thorough assessment and examination to identify your own unique condition and health imbalances.
How TCM Can Help with Depression
For information about depression and how our psychology service can help, please visit our main depression page.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most widely used alternative treatments for depression that has been proven by research to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms.
Acupuncture can help to alleviate depressive symptoms by:
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) have been prescribed for depression for centuries. It has been in shown in clinical trials to match the effectiveness of antidepressants, with much less adverse side effects.
CHM can can help with depressive symptoms by:
TCM physicians would prescribe specific herbal formulas (combination of multiple herbs) tailored to each patient’s symptoms and patterns of imbalances.
Price
PSYCH X TCM Trial Bundle
- Prices are exclusive of GST.
- Only applicable for first-timers to the programme.
- To enjoy this trial price, please notify our clinic that you are coming for a trial session upon registration. Otherwise regular pricing will apply.
- If acupuncture treatment is chosen as part of the package, additional charges would apply to herbal medication prescription or other additional treatments.
- Note that more than one TCM/Psychologist session is usually needed to adequately resolve the presenting issue (see FAQ). A-la carte pricing for TCM & Psychologist would apply for subsequent sessions.
- Discounted credit packages are available in-clinic. Consult with your physician to find one that suits your needs.
For questions about the programme, please contact psychologist@pulsegroup.health or 9831 9912 (Whatsapp)
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Book appointment
FAQ
To book an appointment, complete the Appointment booking form above. Our team will get in touch with you to schedule your appointment with our psychologist and/or a TCM physician at your preferred clinic location.
As our psychologist and TCM physicians are based in different clinics, your psychotherapy and TCM sessions will be conducted in separate visits.
TCM Sessions
Each standard session consists of a consultation with our TCM physician and an acupuncture treatment (can be substituted with Chinese Herbal Medicine prescription) . Additional treatments or herbal prescriptions may be recommended. (Duration: 45 – 60 mins).
TCM sessions can be conducted at PULSE TCM clinics islandwide.
Psychotherapy Sessions
The psychotherapy sessions (Duration: 60 mins) are conducted at PULSE Allied Health clinic at Camden Medical Centre (by Orchard Blvd MRT), where our psychologist is based.
The number of sessions needed would vary person-to-person as it depends on many factors; from the severity of the presenting condition to external factors that can also affect the condition (e.g. lifestyle, stress level, etc).
Below is a general guide. Note that some people may need less or more.
TCM
- 5-10 sessions
- Once weekly (twice for serious conditions)
Psychologist
- 4-8 sessions
- Once weekly, fornightly at later stages
In general, patients with simple, mild conditions would require less frequent and fewer sessions. Those with more complex conditions with additional contributing factors (e.g. a highly stressful job or lifestyle, psychological factors) will require more frequent visits and a longer duration of treatment.
Yes, you can choose to consult just a TCM physician or our Psychologist. On the appointment booking form, simply follow the booking process for either clinician rather than selecting the option for both.
However, please be aware that we would still highly recommend combining both clinicians for faster symptom relief and the most effective overall results.
More complex insomnia that involve psychological and behavioural components (e.g. sleep anxiety, poor sleep habits) may not be fully resolved from TCM treatments alone and can especially benefit from psychotherapy to help make the necessary changes.
Because our psychologist and TCM physicians are based at separate clinics, this may not be possible. We can try to arrange the sessions on the same day but they will be at different locations.
TCM physicians and psychologists commonly see patients with comorbid conditions. They would be able to tailor the treatment accordingly. Our psychologist can also additionally help non-mental health issues such as relationship and self-esteem issues.
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, and most patients do not find acupuncture to be painful. Many actually find the process calming or it is common to fall asleep during treatment.
However, if you still do not wish to undergo acupuncture simply inform your physician. He or she will use other TCM treatments instead such as Chinese Herbal Medication; which is just as effective; or cupping therapy and moxibustion
Acupuncture and CHM have often been used in conjunction with prescription sleeping pills and psychiatric medications (antidepressants, anxiolytics). For CHM, it is recommended to be taken two hours apart from other medications. However, do also check first with your prescribing physician on this.
Have more questions?
Visit our AskPULSE portal to ask our PULSE+ Allied Health specialists or PULSE TCM Physicians any questions about your health or our services.