6

Woman Overboard

The Depths of Depression

Rebecca had everything going for her: a successful career, loving husband, and two children in college. For years she would leap out of bed, make breakfast for her husband and children, and rush off to work as a family counselor. Day after day, Rebecca reminded other women of how to reclaim their lives and renew their energies when menopause showed up at their door. Yet there she was, tissue in hand, staring at the floor in her living room. “What’s the matter, honey?” her husband asked. As she struggled for an answer, all Rebecca could say was, “I dunno, something’s not right.” Little did she know that deep inside her mind and body, a battle had been brewing for years. In the past, she had brushed these feelings aside by keeping herself busy with work and household chores. Now they were surfacing, and no matter how much she tried, Rebecca could no longer ignore them. Something was indeed not right, and even Rebecca did not have a clear answer as to why she felt this way; neither was she to blame. On the surface everything was perfect, but underneath, the foundation was cracking away. Between work and family, Rebecca had somehow lost sight of her inner self along the way, and now that she was on the path toward menopause, her body and mind were giving Rebecca an ultimatum: “Heed our call or else!”

It is estimated that 8 to 15 percent of all women are faced with depression at one time or another as they go through menopause. Close to nine million women nationwide are plagued with depression at some point in their lives. Even though depression is affected by hormonal changes and genetic factors, it is not dictated by them. Despite fluctuations in hormone levels and the existence of genetic precursors, many women go through menopause without becoming depressed. The issue is whether or not women allow these factors to take over and define who they are.

Even if you aren’t genetically or hormonally prone to depression, factors such as being a member of the sandwich generation, feeling a loss of youthfulness, or missing your child(ren) after they leave the house all contribute to the emotional issues associated with menopause. The rapid fluctuation of hormones and other biological changes simply add more fuel to the fire. Women who are prone to depression before the onset of perimenopause or menopause may experience increased depression around this time.

Depression is actually more than just feeling sad and can manifest in a variety of ways depending on the individual and situation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) includes three general criteria in the diagnosis of depression:

1. Depressed mood
2. Loss of interest and enjoyment in usual activities
3. Reduced energy and decreased activity

The DSM also states that major depressive disorder is a more serious form of depression that includes the above criteria with the addition of at least five of the nine symptoms listed below occurring on a daily basis:¹

1. Depressed mood most of the day
2. Diminished interest or pleasure in all or most activities
3. Significant unintentional weight loss or gain
4. Insomnia or sleeping too much
5. Agitation or psychomotor retardation noticed by others
6. Fatigue or loss of energy
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
9. Recurrent thoughts of death

Many, if not most, people experience depression at least once in their lifetime; hence the diagnosis of clinical depression is not as easy as it may seem. The DSM distinguishes between depressive episodes and major depressive disorder: The former is often relatively easier to address through making lifestyle changes such as eating and exercising right for your body type and avoiding certain emotional traps with the help of a friend, family member, or counselor. Major depressive disorder, on the other hand, usually requires the assistance of a trained professional.

When to See a Professional about Depression

• If you are having suicidal thoughts
• If depression is interfering with your everyday life
• If it is causing you to constantly shut others out of your life
• If it lingers no matter what you do

 

WESTERN AND EASTERN PERSPECTIVES ON DEPRESSION

Before we dive in, let’s discuss depression from the standpoint of modern medicine and science and then from an Eastern medicine view. Depression is thought to be a result of a lack of serotonin in the brain, a loss that specific drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can prevent. It is also believed that estrogen and serotonin have a close relationship, where the increase/decrease in one causes an increase/decrease in the other. Hence as estrogen levels decrease during and after the menopausal transition, so does serotonin, making women prone to depression. As we saw in chapter 1, progesterone and estrogen regulate one another, so higher progesterone results in lower estrogen levels, also contributing to depression. Progesterone is dominant during the latter half of the monthly cycle, during and directly after pregnancy, and periodically throughout perimenopause. Hence women often report feeling depressed during these phases. Yet the jury is still out over whether or not depression is caused by an estrogen, progesterone, and/or serotonin imbalance, since a reduction in estrogen levels or a lack of serotonin in the brain does not always lead to depression.

In its search for a physiological source of depression, modern medicine has identified several possible perpetrators, but no prime suspects. Will there ever be a final verdict? I’ve met numerous people who hop from one medication to another as their doctors follow new trends in research or as symptoms come and go, but the end result is often the same: lingering depression. Perhaps modern research is looking for depression in all the wrong places.

The use of SSRIs and/or estrogen to treat depression may sound tempting since most of us would love to rid ourselves of depression by simply controlling the chemical processes within the body. Yet side effects from such medication often include nausea, nervousness, dizziness, reduced sexual desire, drowsiness, and weight gain. Whereas some individuals may benefit from these and other antidepressant and hormone-based medications, others find that the benefits do not outweigh the risks. Antidepressants act as a buffer between our mind and emotions. Yes, if there is a raging battle within us, then perhaps a buffer may be the first step toward resolution. Yet inevitably both sides must come to terms with one another if there is to be lasting peace. In some cases, the advice of a specialist may be necessary to determine the best medical approach.

Eastern medicine views depression not as a chemical or neurological issue but as a lack of harmony and balance of organ-related energies within the body. Each emotion is associated with a particular organ, and when the two are in balance, they promote organ energy flow, but when they aren’t, energy becomes stagnant. Each organ in the body can be compared to a member of an immediate family. If the sister liver gets along with the brother lungs by exchanging ample amounts of energy, then their correlating emotions of sorrow and joy will be also be in harmony, benefitting mother heart, daddy kidney, and so on. Maintaining balance in an immediate family can be quite a challenge, let alone among our internal organs! Yet in a family supported by a strong bond of love, even if children misbehave or parents argue from time to time, there is no long-term negative effect. The same goes for the relationship between our organs, since liver joy and lung sorrow are destined to argue once in a while. Yet as we saw in Rebecca’s situation, liver joy was the predominant emotion for most of her life, and she slammed the door in sorrow’s face every time it came knocking. It was simply a matter of time before lung sorrow busted through.

THE YIN AND YANG OF DEPRESSION

In Sasang medicine, depression is seen as a combination of several emotions, contrary to the common Western idea, which defines it as a feeling of despondency. The cause of depression differs according the body types and their predominant emotions. For example, the Yin Type A’s hyperdeveloped liver, associated with joy, may be the underlying source of depression. How could joy be the root of depression? If the Yin Type A feels entitled to joy and things don’t flow well, then depression can easily take over. Other predominant emotions, such as comfort and anger, can also instigate depression. Table 6.1 provides a list of predominant emotions and their effects for the four body types.

Before we get into specific discussions of depression and each body type, let’s consider the following tips for handling depression regardless of your type.

Tip #1: Don’t Ignore Your Feelings

Depression doesn’t randomly show up without reason; an underlying component usually needs to be addressed. If you feel stagnant, locked, or unable to move forward in life, then take a deep look within and sift through the possible causes. Most of the time, these feelings are a result of unaddressed emotions, desires, and feelings that are asking for your attention. It might be helpful to consult a therapist or friend who would listen and discuss effective ways to address unresolved emotional issues, especially if they are interfering significantly with your life.

Tip #2: Keep on Flowing

No matter how hard it may seem when you are feeling depressed, getting out of the house and staying active is essential to keep you out of the abyss. If you prefer to be alone, then try going for a walk alone, and if you need to talk with someone, have him/her accompany you. The home is where we settle our energies and slow them down. Since depression often causes stagnation and blockage of our energies, simply getting out of the house can be energetically uplifting.

Tip #3: Exercise; It’s Medicine

Exercise is one of the best medicines for depression. The rhythmic movement of your body coupled with sweating and stronger breathing encourage the flow of energy throughout the body and the release of endorphins and dopamine—our happy hormones. One study showed that two hours of exercise twice a week for ten weeks significantly reduced levels of depression compared to a no-exercise control group.² You don’t have to push yourself too hard in order to feel better emotionally and physically. The point is to exercise within your limits and eventually to the point of working up a sweat. According to Sasang medicine, sweating releases stagnant emotion and energy from the body through the skin pores.

Tip #4: Try Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupressure is an effective method for promoting energy flow throughout the body. Each acupressure point on the body acts as a flow controller, enhancing flow where it is needed and slowing it down when it is out of control. Acupuncture and acupressure utilize the same points on the body, and both have been used for thousands of years to address emotional and physical imbalances.

 PC8 (EIGHTH POINT ON THE PERICARDIUM MERIDIAN): “LABOR PALACE”

Fig. 6.1. PC8, eighth point on the pericardium meridian

This point is located between the tendons of the pointer and middle fingers along—or directly below in some people—the second highest horizontal crease of the palm (see fig. 6.1 above). When a tight fist is made, the point is where the tip of the middle finger touches the palm of the hand. Similar to its cousin HT8, PC8 calms the heart and facilitates emotional processing. The name of this point, “Labor Palace,” comes from its ability to provide a safe haven for labored thoughts and emotions. Applying significant pressure until the area feels tender often yields better results than a light touch.

• Apply direct pressure to PC8 with the tip of your index finger while counting to ten and breathing slowly.
• Gently release and then switch to the other hand.
• Repeat this process up to five times.

DEPRESSION AND THE YIN YANG BODY TYPES

Depression affects each yin yang body type in different ways depending on their constitutionally unique energies. Generally speaking, for yang types, it often involves situations that get in the way of their determined yang energy, while for yin types, it is often a result of placing their own yin-related joy/calmness on the back burner for too long, or clinging to it with all their might. Sure, the yin types may experience depressive episodes when something/someone gets in their way, and the yang types when joy or comfort is neglected, but these situations rarely manifest as major depressive disorders. Balancing our body type’s predominant emotion is an essential step to avoiding and overcoming depression.

We all have a unique path in life that, if traveled, brings out the best in us. Yet no path is ever forged for us, and we may have to bushwhack our way through unchartered wilderness when our navigation equipment fails. Depression is an emotional state that all of the body types are capable of experiencing when they feel stuck along this path. The menopausal transition is often a time when life gives us a wake-up call, forcing us to take a good look at where we’ve been and where we’re going. It is a time when our focus shifts from birthing and rearing children to rebirthing and re-rearing ourselves. As I mentioned in the introduction, orcas are the only other mammal that experiences menopause. Whale studies show that the postmenopausal orca has a central role to play in the survival of her family. Orcas enter menopause around the age of forty and have been known to survive until the age of ninety.³ Whether we are human or whale, the fact is that there is life beyond procreation, and with the knowledge of your body type, the path toward abundant emotional and physical health unfolds.

Let’s take a closer look at how depression may affect each of the body types.

YANG TYPE A

As mentioned above, when the yin yang body types fall into depression, it is usually because of an imbalance of their own unique predominant emotion. Hence if the Yang Type A has difficulty controlling her predominant emotion of anger, depression will often ensue. This process usually kicks in as a result of feeling belittled or disrespected, initially making her extremely angry but eventually leading her to exhaustion. The Yang Type A’s sensitivity to oppression is due to an affiliation with wi eui, or showing mutual respect and dignity, which is associated with her stronger spleen. Lack of inherent kidney energy, correlated with calmness and comfort, also contributes to the Yang Type A’s propensity toward anger.

Ann, the Agitated Yang Type A

Ann, a forty-six-year-old Yang Type A with a chip on her shoulder, sought treatment for lower back pain. She asked, “So can you fix it?” After I inquired about when her lower back pain had started, she told me that it came on suddenly after she had watched the news the previous night. Not having yet determined her body type, I assumed that an uncomfortable chair or couch had led to the discomfort, but she maintained that it was a reaction to “those condescending idiots in Washington D.C.” The feeling of being directly assaulted by arrogance made Ann furious at first, but then she felt distraught, depressed, and helpless—a common pitfall of the Yang Type A. During her treatment, I inserted several acupuncture needles to cool excessive heat radiating from her hyperdeveloped spleen—the source of her anger. Not only did Ann feel more relaxed afterward, but her back pain also significantly diminished.

During the menopausal transition, the Yang Type A may become hypersensitive to injustice. Bursts of anger may emerge seemingly from nowhere when she is stressed or uncomfortable. Things get even worse when the Yang Type A feels she has been disrespected or belittled. Menopause is the Yang Type A’s invitation to stand up for herself and others and make a difference but also to distance herself from issues over which she has little or no control. For the Yang Type A, the first step toward preventing and addressing depression is to avoid getting angry over minor issues.

The menopausal Yang Type A often has an aversion to calmness as her spleen yang energy spends most of its time in the upper body and away from the deep-seated and dark yin energy of the lower body. Calmness for her means giving up or falling behind a rigorous daily schedule. “I must keep busy!” she says, abhorring the thought of being lazy and irresponsible. In her haste, she often overlooks and takes for granted family relationships and personal health. Her tolerance of those who are more laid back and easygoing also decreases. Situations that used to be easily brushed aside, like returning home to find her yin-type hubby on the couch casually munching away on a snack while watching football, may start to aggravate her beyond belief. But little does she realize that her own self-comfort is the only path to postmenopausal health. The balanced Yang Type A sets time aside to slow down, breathe deeply, and pamper herself. She realizes that “being” is more important than “doing,” and that the rest of her life depends on the ability to shift into a lower gear.

Herbs can also help curb the Yang Type A’s anger by cooling her throbbing spleen and encouraging the downward flow of rebellious yang energy to the kidneys. The herbs below are commonly prescribed in the Sasang clinic for the Yang Type A who is struggling with uncontrolled anger and/or depression.

Zhu Ye
(Common: Bamboo Leaves; Latin: Lophatherum gracile)

As we’ve seen with Zhu Ru (bamboo shavings) in the “Fire Aboard” chapter, bamboo is often praised in Asia for its resilience and ability to bend in strong wind without toppling over, and it is often used in Eastern medicine to promote resilience of the spirit. The Yang Type A’s virtue of humility is like that of bamboo, bending and yielding to others without belittling herself. Although her humility cannot be matched by the other types, getting there is a significant challenge because anger often gets in the way. Bamboo leaves help curb the anger of the Yang Type A by strongly rooting her anger while lifting up her wounded spirit. With their ability to cool and root energy, bamboo leaves also encourage the smooth flow of urine in cases where there is a lack of or a difficult flow due to heat accumulation.

Common Uses

Zhu Ye calms the mind and spirit, promotes a smooth urine stream by draining excess yang and heat from the upper body, and treats mouth sores, swollen gums, and thirst due to heat rising upward from the stomach.

Source

A tincture of bamboo leaves can be purchased from Hawaii Pharm; look for Dan Zhu Ye tincture on their website.

Preparation and Dosage

Refer to the manufacturer for standard dosage and a Sasang specialist (see “Continuing the Voyage,”) for modified dosage.

Bo He
(Common: Field Mint; Latin: Mentha arvensis)

Bo He, or field mint, soothes and cools the stomach energy of Yang Type As and also has a calming effect on the mind, alleviating stress and anger and promoting sleep. Field mint is also beneficial for Yang Type A headaches. Chilled field mint tea makes for a refreshing drink in the summer or whenever you need to cool down. Mint also contains a significant amount of iron and vitamin D, which can help counteract SAD, a form of depression brought on by a lack of sun exposure. Field mint may also help pick up your mood on a gloomy day.

Common Uses

Field mint relieves headaches, throat disorders (swollen and sore throat, tonsillitis, and/or swollen glands), stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Sources

The term mint is an umbrella term that includes spearmint and peppermint, and they all have similar characteristics and health effects. While mint/spearmint/peppermint tea is sold at most supermarkets, keep in mind that tea bag sources routinely combine mint with ingredients that may or may not agree with your body type. For an extensive list of body-type-compatible foods and herbs, please refer to my book Your Yin Yang Body Type. Mint is also available in tincture, extract, and capsule forms. While mint itself is readily available, field mint, also known as wild mint, is not as easy to find. In our clinic, we import field mint directly from China. Field mint grows wild in open fields throughout the United States and Canada. While field mint may have the strongest effect, other types of mint can be substituted.

Preparation and Dosage

Insert a tea bag into a mug of hot water and let steep for two minutes. If field mint leaves are available, boil 9 grams per two cups of water and let simmer for fifteen minutes over low heat. Strain out the leaves before drinking. Up to four cups of mint tea can be consumed per day. For the best cooling effect, drink it chilled. Field mint tea goes well with a bamboo leaf tincture. You can mix the tincture directly into the field mint tea or take the two separately.

Can’t Other Body Types Get Irritable during Menopause Too?

Other body types can get irritable as well, but the reasons irritability manifests is different for each type. The Yang Type B’s irritability is usually because she does not feel respected or appreciated. For the Yin Type A, it’s a result of feeling betrayed or unacknowledged. The Yin Type B’s menopause-related irritability may be the result of a desire to escape rather than face life’s every-so-often harsh reality.

YANG TYPE B

Yang Type Bs are no strangers to sadness, as it is their predominant emotion. One might think that sadness would make them appear grumpy and seem to be sulking all the time. Actually, sadness doesn’t bring them down like it might the yin types; instead, it cranks them up, often to the point of anger. If Yang Type Bs are not careful, sadness can get out of control and morph into extreme anger or rage because of their affiliation with sa mu, or sense of societal duty. They can easily take the gift of sa mu too far and feel as if they always have to be in charge, believing that others must heed their advice. When an imbalanced Yang Type B believes that someone is keeping a secret, sadness will get out of control. Yet it’s rage rather than sadness that gives the Yang Type B a reputation for often being authoritarian and stern.

During the menopausal transition, the Yang Type B’s stronger sorrow-filled lungs often get stronger while her weaker sacral and lumbar areas, which correlate with comfort and joy, get weaker. If she has not experienced much comfort and joy before menopause, then it will be even more challenging for her to embrace the transition. Dishonesty and betrayal are major obstacles to the Yang Type B’s joy. During menopause she becomes hypersensitive to others’ faults and imperfections. By making a sincere effort to trust herself even if others may not be trustworthy, she sends energy to her liver, and slowly but surely joy unfolds. Herbal medicine can also be helpful here, since plant energy can encourage the smooth flow of yin and yang energy within the body. The herbs below gently help the excess yang energy descend and transport it from the lungs to the liver.

Lu Gen
(Common: Common Reed; Latin: Phragmites communis)

With its strong affiliation for moisture and its hollow stalk, Lu Gen, or common reed, is often spotted close to rivers, streams, and marshes, slurping up water like a straw. After ingestion, common reed transports moisture to the upper body and moderates yang heat. In Sasang medicine, it is often used to tame the excessive lung energy of the Yang Type B by sending cool yin energy to the lungs and encouraging the descent of excess upper body yang heat energy. By softening the flow of upper body energy, this herb also assists with stomach issues such as acid regurgitation, heartburn, and vomiting.

Common Uses

Common reed addresses anxiety, worry, indigestion (stomach acid, heartburn, and/or vomiting), shortness of breath, and dry heaves.

Sources

A tincture of Lu Gen can be purchased on the Hawaii Pharm website.

Preparation and Dosage

Refer to the manufacturer for standard dosage and a Sasang specialist (see “Continuing the Voyage") for modified dosage.

Caution

Consult with a specialist before administering to children or during pregnancy.

Food Friends: Buckwheat and Persimmon

While balancing your mood with Lu Gen, how about eating more buckwheat and persimmons? Both of these Yang Type B foods act as mood boosters in their own right. In Sasang medicine, buckwheat is used to detoxify and stimulate energy flow, especially to the Yang Type B’s weaker liver and intestines. It has high levels of tryptophan, which is known to stimulate the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy and relaxed. Lee Je-ma credited persimmons with the ability to nourish the heart and lungs, while uplifting the spirit. With their astringent nature, persimmons are also used in Sasang medicine to quench thirst and address diarrhea.

Can’t Sadness Bring Down Other Body Types Too?

Other body types can also experience sadness, but the reasons sadness manifests differs according to the type. The Yang Type A’s sadness is usually the side effect of excessive bursts of anger. For the Yin Type A, it’s a result of lacking joy and a reason to smile. The Yin Type B’s menopause-related sadness may be from not having enough quiet time to relax and recoup.

YIN TYPE A

Rebecca, introduced at the beginning of this chapter, is a Yin Type A born with a stronger liver, which correlates with the emotion of joy. It is difficult to imagine that joy can result in depression, but it is often the most dubious yet likely suspect. Do you recall how all things have aspects of both yin and yang? Depression is no exception, since within depression is joy and within joy lurks depression. Stated in another way, we wouldn’t feel depressed if we never knew what joy felt like, and we wouldn’t feel truly joyful if we never felt depressed! The Yin Type A’s stronger liver always seeks joy, and if it does not find it, sadness abounds. A person with this body type is often the most joyful, and even when she is sad or depressed, periodic traces of joy can still occur, as if her inner joy needed to come up for air, sometimes resulting in a manic-depressive state. The Yin Type A has a strong sense of dang yo, or group orientation, from which she draws energy and establishes her footing. Being with others and sharing ideas, gifts, food, and so forth is what brings joy to the Yin Type A.

The lungs, which correlate with sorrow, are the weakest organ of the Yin Type A, and hence sorrow is a trap that easily catches her when she’s off guard. It’s easy for the Yang Type A to fill her lungs with self-worth and reliance, but the Yin Type A depends on the physical presence of others and reciprocal give-and-take relationships to keep her fulfilled and joyful.

If the Yin Type A doesn’t consistently invite enough joy into her life, she can easily become ill. The menopausal Yin Type A is prone to questioning her sense of dang yo and wonders if certain friends or lover(s) are being genuine. She often thinks twice about her relationships, questioning whether or not they are true sources of joy. During menopause, a woman’s inner voice becomes stronger, letting her know when it needs her attention. If it is time for more joy, then cleaning out the closet of unhelpful relationships might be necessary. It may also be time to reflect on what it is she is really seeking from others and to ask herself if it can be found within instead.

Can’t the Other Body Types Feel a Lack of Joy during Menopause?

Other body types can certainly feel a lack of joy, but the reasons for it differ according to the type. The Yang Type As’ lack of joy is a reaction to their sense that they, or others around them, are not being treated fairly. For Yang Type Bs, it’s a result of feeling as if no one is following their advice and direction. The Yin Type Bs’ menopausal lack of joy may come from either isolation or taking on overwhelming responsibilities.

Since yang correlates with the upper body and yin with the lower body, it’s challenging for the yin types to get an objective bird’s-eye view of their life. Actually, shik kyun—the ability to distinguish, filter, and decipher—comes from the lungs, the Yin Type A’s weaker organ. Depression kicks in when the Yin Type A has lost a sense of where she is going and where she has been as she staggers through the darkness. Her stronger spongy liver can easily make matters worse as it clings to everything in reach. The depressed Yin Type A is no stranger to thoughts like “I know he’s not a nice man, but I still need to be with him!” or “This job will eventually kill me, but I have to stick with it.” If the yang types aren’t happy, everyone around them will feel the heat even if they try to conceal their emotions. The yin types do a better job of masking their feelings even if they are suffering within. By strengthening her lungs, the balanced Yin Type A distinguishes between friend and foe, profit and loss, harmony and disharmony, and makes tough decisions, trusting her inner voice.

Without first releasing the excess worry, stress, insecurity, toxins, and so on of a Yin Type A’s liver, it would be unfeasible to send energy to her lungs. Be patient with yourself because it takes years (some may argue lifetimes) to unravel the knots of excess within our organs. Yet with each step along the way another flower within you blooms, and before you know it, a beautiful garden begins to emerge. Sasang medicine utilizes hundreds of herbs to release liver excess, promote the flow of energy to the lungs, and uplift the spirit. Here are a few of the top contenders.

Suan Zao Ren
(Common: Sour Jujube Seed; Latin: Ziziphus spinosa)

Suan Zao Ren, or sour jujube seed, is commonly used in Eastern medicine to calm and soothe the heart and mind. These little red seeds nourish and support the function of the heart and lungs—a task that effectively chips away at the Yin Type A’s depression. Sour jujube is used in a variety of herbal formulas for these reasons. Its seeds contain substantial amounts of flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, the combination of which likely contributes to their calming effects.

Common Uses

Sour jujube seed relieves insomnia, anemia, depression, anxiety, nervousness, stress, night sweats, thirst, and palpitations.

Sources

Even though sour jujube is readily available in China and Korea, it is difficult to obtain raw in the United States. It is, however, part of a popular and easy-to-obtain formula, Suan Zao Ren Tang (sour jujube decoction), which helps with sleep and can be purchased from the Chinese Herbs Direct and Vita Living websites.

Preparation and Dosage

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage instructions.

Caution

If you are taking medications for insomnia, consult a professional before trying sour jujube. When combined with other sleep medications, it may cause excessive drowsiness.

Long Yan Rou
(Common: Longan Fruit; Latin: Euphoria longan )

Long Yan Rou, or longan fruit, is used in Sasang medicine mainly to calm the spirit and mind and support brain function. Long Yan translates as “dragon eyes,” and accordingly, this herb is also used to assist with age-related eye disorders, such as cataracts. Dried longan fruit is also rich in copper; a 3.5-ounce serving accounts for 90 percent of the recommended daily allowance. Deficiency in minerals such as copper contributes to the development of osteoporosis in women as they age. The Yin Type A’s stronger liver has a tendency saturate and congest itself with minerals, causing deficiency of copper, magnesium, and potassium in other areas of the body. Long Yan Rou helps circulate liver energy and distribute minerals along the way.

Common Uses

Long Yan Rou assists with insomnia, forgetfulness, anxiety, fear, lack of focus, headaches, sadness, and depression.

Sources

Organic Traditions offers a 3.5-ounce bag of organic dried longan fruit that is available on the LuckyVitamin website, and an 8-ounce bag of the nonorganic variety can be found on the Dragon Herbs website.

Preparation and Dosage

Consume up to ten dried fruits a day, or ingest via Suan Zao Ren Tang (sour jujube decoction).

Herbal Friend: Yuan Zhi (Common: Seneca Snakeroot; Latin: Polygala senega)

Yuan Zhi (meaning “enhance willpower”), or snakeroot, encourages the flow of energy to the Yin Type A’s lungs and brain, stimulating mood and memory. In Sasang medicine it is said to “awaken the true qi of the lungs.” Alcohol-based and nonalcoholic tinctures are available on the Hawaii Pharm website; search for “polygala.” Yuan Zhi arouses and inspires, while Long Yan Rou nourishes and supports the mind and spirit. For best results take both herbs together. Please follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the applicable dosage.

Jeannie, the (Not So) Joyful Yin Type A

“How can you stay so happy all the time?!” Jeannie’s friends would often ask while, unbeknownst to them, she was falling deeper into the abyss of depression. Jeannie was indeed a joyful-natured person, always encouraging others with her radiant smile. She didn’t recognize when depression kicked in and couldn’t explain why she started oversleeping, sobbing when alone, and drinking excessively. Sorrow is difficult to distinguish and process for Yin Type As because it is associated with their hypodeveloped and energetically deprived lungs. Instead of addressing her depression, Jeannie simply brushed it aside, hoping that her joy would return. It was only when she realized that joy and sadness can coexist, expressing themselves when appropriate, that her condition began to improve. Instead of ignoring or eradicating sadness, she decided to slowly get in touch with it and gave herself permission to cry on her friend’s shoulder and watch sad movies, each time feeding her thirsty lungs with more energy.

YIN TYPE B

The Yin Type B’s strong sense of ko cho, or household affairs, gives her a passionate desire for intimacy at home with family and/or simply being alone. This trait is coupled with intense willpower, giving her an unprecedented drive. A lack of intimacy or inability to achieve what she set out for can leave the Yin Type B with a deep sense of despair and insecurity. If the Yin Type B weren’t so introverted, the advice of others might have put an end to this misery. Yet she often chooses to go through it alone, hiding her feelings. While this may work in some situations, it does not necessarily work in others. Menopause is an opportunity for the Yin Type B to stand tall and face her fears one by one.

Being around others for too long can easily exhaust the menopausal Yin Type B, causing her deficient yang energy to escape upward and outward as if to say, “Beam me up, Scotty. It’s getting too hectic down here!” This feeling is often enhanced when lofty goals of the past have not been met. The Yin Type B is a dreamer who sets and plans goals that often require cracking the shell of intimacy and exposing herself to the world, which may send her crawling right back inside. Menopause gives the Yin Type B permission to let go of her lofty goals and reevaluate her relationships with others and work. It is a time when a quiet home suddenly loses its appeal; with children off to college, the world outside becomes more attractive to her.

If the Yin Type B could build a cocoon around her stronger kidneys and isolate them from the hustle and bustle of the lungs and spleen (both yang organs), she’d do so in a heartbeat. It’s when the stronger areas of our body isolate themselves and disregard the weaker ones that we get off-kilter. The Yin Type B’s kidneys cannot remain comfortable without integrating the heat of the spleen. Spleen energy gives us the ability to speak our mind and cut to the chase—a quality born from kyo wu. Oh, how the Yin Type B wishes that others would just keep to themselves! Little does the uncultivated Yin Type B realize that it is only through the ability to express herself in the face of adversity that she is capable of finding comfort and avoiding the abyss of depression. As appealing a path though it may sound, isolating herself further during and after menopause will only result in more discomfort and loneliness. Yet if she loses her sense of comfort along the way, it’s back to square one. Warmth is the answer to her despair and steamy baths, cardiovascular exercises, and hot-natured foods can help do the repair. Her cold kidney home may seem like a place to chill and feel secure, but it actually hinders her growth in the long run. The blazing spleen possesses an endless supply of heat waiting to be tapped.

Can’t the Other Body Types, Get Cold Easily and Feel Insecure?

Other body types can also get cold and feel insecure, but the reasons why differ according to the type. The Yang Type A’s cold and insecurity come from a tendency to burn herself out with anger and overreaction. For the Yang Type B, these feelings are the result of burning up too much yang heat and feeling belittled. The Yin Type A’s cold and insecurity come from losing someone or something important to her.

Below are some herbs that stimulate the Yin Type B’s deficient spleen and assist with depression.

An Xi Xiang
(Common: Benzoin Oil; Latin: Styrax benzoin)

As we’ve seen in the “Fire Aboard” chapter, benzoin is prized for its ability to calm the Yin Type B’s spirit and promote digestion of food and experience. An Xi Xiang’s warmth and strong aroma lift the clouds that easily encroach and darken the Yin Type B’s hypersensitive mind.

Common Uses

Benzoin calms anxiety, uplifts emotions, relieves indigestion, addresses pain in the chest and abdomen from food stagnation, and alleviates coughing.

Source

Bulk Apothecary offers essential oil of benzoin on its website.

Preparation and Dosage

I recommend dabbing a tiny bit of benzoin oil underneath the nose or onto the wrists with a cotton swab or ball. It can be reapplied topically several times a day to refresh the fragrance. You can also burn a few drops in a diffuser or oil burner.

Caution

Although benzoin is used as an ingredient in medicinal teas, it is usually ingested only under the care of a professional. Most sources warn against ingesting this herb and recommend it for topical use only. Applying essential oils directly onto the skin may produce rashes or redness. Try diluting the first few applications of benzoin with water until your skin gets used to it. If your skin is not irritated, then try applying it directly.

Huo Xiang
(Common: Patchouli Oil; Latin: Pogostemon cablin)

In Eastern medicine, patchouli is used as a tea to clear the sinuses, support the digestive system, and balance the flow of energy throughout the body. Its aromatic fragrance can be inhaled to stimulate the function of the Yin Type B’s weaker spleen and pick up her mood, enhance memory, and clear away cluttered thoughts. Yin Type Bs in particular benefit from patchouli because its warm nature helps the stomach break down and assimilate foods, and it treats allergies, colds, and other respiratory issues. Patchouli has also been used for decades in the West as a fragrance and essential oil. Remember that strong, recognizable smell from the hippie era?

Common Uses

Patchouli alleviates indigestion, allergies, common colds, congestion, coughing, shortness of breath, lack of appetite, depression, and brain fog.

Sources

Patchouli oil is available from manufacturers such as NOW Foods and Plantlife.

Preparation and Dosage

A few drops of patchouli oil may be dabbed onto a cotton ball and rubbed under the nostrils to clear the sinuses or onto the abdomen to promote digestion up to three times a day. I suggest alternating daily between applications of benzoin and patchouli oils for the best effect.

Caution

Please see caution for benzoin on previous page.