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Treating Anxiety Disorder at a Korean Medicine Clinic
Blog January 19, 2025

Treating Anxiety Disorder at a Korean Medicine Clinic

Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director

About Anxiety Disorders

Ah, you're discussing anxiety disorders. I'd like to share a few thoughts on that topic as well. Anxiety can sometimes become so naturally intertwined with our lives that it's hard to distinguish what's normal and what's not. However, when anxiety starts to dominate daily life, it's clearly a problem.

What I've realized while studying Traditional Korean Medicine is how deeply our body and mind are connected, and that fact always amazes me. In Traditional Korean Medicine, anxiety disorders are not seen merely as a problem of the mind. Rather, they are believed to stem from imbalances related to various bodily functions, especially the flow of 'Gi' (Qi). When 'Gi' (Qi) is blocked or unstable, it can manifest as various symptoms in both our body and mind.

Causes of Anxiety

For instance, many people experience chest tightness or difficulty breathing when stressed. This is a phenomenon that occurs when 'Gi' (Qi) doesn't flow properly. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this state is sometimes referred to as 'Gi Ul Gyeol' (Qi Stagnation). And this 'Gi Ul Gyeol' (Qi Stagnation) is seen as one of the causes of anxiety disorders.

Treatment Methods

Regarding treatment methods, Traditional Korean Medicine takes a rather unique approach. We don't just aim to eliminate symptoms; we strive to address their root causes. Examples include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and mind-regulating methods like meditation or Qigong. These treatments aim to restore the smooth flow of 'Gi' (Qi) and re-establish balance between the body and mind.

Of course, scientific research findings also support the efficacy of these treatment methods. For example, there are quite a few studies indicating that acupuncture is effective in alleviating anxiety symptoms. While it's a field that still requires more research, the initial results are quite promising.

To share a bit of my personal experience, I've directly witnessed in my encounters with patients how much difference this Traditional Korean Medicine approach makes. By listening to each patient's story, striving to understand their 'Gi' (Qi) flow, and providing personalized treatments, I've seen many patients break free from the cycle of anxiety and live healthier, happier lives.

Nevertheless, to summarize all of this in a single sentence: the Traditional Korean Medicine approach to anxiety disorders emphasizes the balance of body and mind, understanding each individual's unique 'Gi' (Qi) characteristics, and focusing on resolving the root causes. And I believe this approach is the path to true healing.

Oh, time has really flown by while talking about this. It feels like there's no end to the conversation once you start discussing anxiety disorders. However, I hope my story has been of some help to you, and I wish you always good health.

#IncheonAnxietyDisorder

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung Choe Chief Director

I have met many patients who came after visiting multiple medical institutions and departments for persistent or recurrent conditions. Symptoms normally handled by different specialties—such as abdominal pain, headaches, palpitations, dizziness, and insomnia—may overlap in one person. Sometimes there is no clear improvement despite taking medication for each symptom, and being unwell gradually becomes part of daily life. In these cases, I look beyond individual diagnoses and examine how the symptoms connect and change together. Asking only about the most uncomfortable symptom today does not reveal the full course. I look at when the body first began to change and what happened after illness, surgery, childbirth, or starting and stopping medication. I also review changes in weight, diet, and sleep, then trace which symptoms improved with previous treatment and which remained. Test results, diagnoses, and the course of previous treatment are important for understanding the current condition. Clinical research in modern Korean medicine, physiological and pathological research in modern medicine, and observations recorded in classical Korean medicine texts offer different perspectives on the same body. Rather than fitting a patient into one perspective, I consider what each can and cannot explain and look for clues that connect symptoms and treatment histories that were previously considered separately.

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