Nodules can appear anywhere in the body, especially under the skin, in the lungs, and the thyroid and breast glands. From a TCM point of view, nodules are closely related to the body’s constitution. People who are depressed are prone to develop nodules and may wish to use TCM to manage them, which is effective and has low side effects.
Why do people with depression tend to develop nodules?
According to TCM, the liver is the pivot for the flow of Qi. The liver is the main organ of drainage, and proper drainage is the only way to keep the liver functioning and other internal organs functioning in an orderly manner. Stagnation of Qi in the Liver can lead to Qi stagnation, which affects the ability of the Spleen and Stomach to transport water, dampness, and fluids, leading to the production of dampness and phlegm; blood flow in the body relies on Qi to drive it, and Qi stagnation can lead to Qi stagnation and blood stasis in the body, which in time leads to heat stagnation and eventually phlegm-dampness. Phlegm, blood stagnation, and qi stagnation follow the flow of the meridians and gather in the five viscera and six internal organs, thus creating nodules.
How can nodules be managed through Chinese medicine?
1. Lung nodules
Pulmonary nodules can be treated with Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Ephedra Soup, the main ingredients of which are Fructus Schisandrae, Semen Ziziphi and Dates, Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Ephedra, as well as Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Ginger. Rose broad bean and flower tea is also a good choice to clear the liver and regulate the Qi. You can also consume cold jellyfish skin, which has the effect of reducing swelling and lowering pressure, and softening phlegm.
2. Thyroid nodules
For the treatment of thyroid nodules, you can choose seaweed and jade pot soup, the main ingredients of which are forsythia, seaweed and kombu, Sichuan dome, and angelica, as well as Chen Pi, Qing Pi and Semen and mother of pearl. Strictly reduce iodine intake, especially sea cucumber and seaweed, nori and shrimp skin, and shellfish. Focus on eating kiwifruit, rape, yam, fungus, and barley to strengthen the spleen and dissolve dampness and disperse nodules and swelling.
3. Breast nodules
For breast nodules, choose Da Chai Hu Tang or Xiao Chai Hu Tang; you can also choose Chinese herbs with the effect of activating blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, such as Angelica Sinensis and Sichuan dome. Follow a low-fat, high-fiber diet and strictly control fat intake, otherwise, it will affect the ovarian endocrine secretion and make the mammary epithelial cells stimulated. Eat appropriate fruits and vegetables, beans and whole grain products, and less animal protein, as this can produce too much estrogen and lead to breast cancer.
Warm Tips
You should maintain a regular daily routine, not overwork yourself and maintain a calm mind. You should not sit or lie down all the time. When you are in a bad mood, you can exercise outdoors, such as cycling, walking, or jogging, etc. This can produce dopamine, which is conducive to physical and mental relaxation. If you can’t keep everything bottled up in your heart, you may want to have a good cry, as tears can take away stress hormones and reduce stress-related neurotransmitters. If you are depressed and cannot keep it to yourself, tell a trusted friend or keep a diary to release it. At the same time, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and not to eat too much fatty food.