🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Fear disorders often arise from insufficient ability to cope with frightening situations, manifesting as helplessness and panic when unexpected events occur, or timidity, shyness, and suspicion in social interactions.
According to Associate Professor Xiong Kangmei of the Psychosomatic Medicine Department at Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, fear disorders initially affect the liver, progressing later to liver-kidney yin deficiency or liver-spleen-kidney yang deficiency. These conditions are closely linked to psychological and social factors, presenting as impairments in cognition, emotion, physical symptoms, and behavior, requiring holistic mind-body treatment. Psychological interventions aim to correct irrational cognitions and negative emotions while modifying corresponding maladaptive behaviors, thereby calming the spirit, improving physical symptoms, ensuring smooth flow of the five zang organs, harmonizing body and mind, and promoting overall health.
Common psychological intervention methods in traditional Chinese medicine include emotional counteraction therapy, rational guidance, suggestion therapy, distraction and mood change, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and hypnosis.
How can fear disorder patients self-regulate psychologically? First, strive for rational cognition and learn to assess problems objectively. When fear arises, calmly analyze: What triggered it? What is the object of fear? Is the fear objective or subjective? Do others feel the same fear? Is it truly worth fearing? This helps correct irrational thoughts.
Many fear disorder patients excessively worry about others’ evaluations and avoid social contact. This mindset suppresses personal expression, leading to low morale, depression, loneliness, and even social phobia. To overcome shyness, enhance independence, prioritize personal development, respect one’s own values, stop overconcerning about others’ approval, and believe in oneself. Let go of burdens, face surroundings confidently, dispel worries, and boldly start with small tasks or conversations.
Many fear disorder patients are also prone to suspicion, which harms relationships and mental health. Mild cases lead to pessimism, while severe ones may trigger extreme events. Suspicion stems from introverted personality and irritability, often accompanied by feelings of insecurity. Overcoming suspicion involves building a good interpersonal environment, cultivating noble life interests, focusing energy on career and study, and practicing kindness. Joyfully forgetting worries is an effective remedy for suspiciousness.