The Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Western Psychotherapy: A Case Study

摘要

Background: Western psychological practices have traditionally treated only the mind, not the body. By contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treats both body and mind as a single gestalt. This paper presents a single case study where Western and TCM therapies were integrated into a short-term structured treatment. Study Population: One male client suffering from neurotic depression and anxiety manifesting in both emotional and physiological distress, including insomnia and diarrhea. One therapist participant trained in both Western psychiatric practices and TCM. Method: A course of treatment was devised combining Western psychotherapeutic technique and TCM’s diagnostic and therapy practices. Modern methods of focusing psychotherapy, narrative, and mindfulness were used to determine the specific traumatic events causing the patient’s issues. Treatment was undergone by “thought imprint therapy” and finally concluded using “psychological acupuncture”. Results: The patient reported that his emotional and physical symptoms were greatly alleviated. He was able to sleep without medication and his anxiety towards taking exams was gone. Conclusion: Although a single case study, we are optimistic that this integrative method has great promise for future psychiatric practice.