Q How does Korean medicine treatment progress once I start? Does treatment differ between manic and depressive phases?
A The approach varies by episode phase. During manic phases, treatment focuses on clearing Heart Fire (清心火) and sedation; during depressive phases, it shifts to warming the Gallbladder (溫膽) and soothing the Liver (疏肝) to restore energy. During stable periods, constitutional strengthening to prevent future episodes is the focus.
Detailed Answer
Korean medicine treatment progresses in three stages according to episode state. Manic phase (Heart Fire rising): priority on clearing Heart Fire (清心火), sedation, and sleep restoration. Depressive phase (Phlegm-Qi congestion): Warm-Gallbladder decoction (溫膽湯) family formulas to circulate energy, with Liver-soothing (疏肝) to ease emotional tension. Stable phase: constitutional tonics to restore fatigue recovery and foundational neurological stamina. Prescriptions differ at each stage, so regular monitoring and adjustment are necessary.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
For rapid cyclers — those who alternate between manic and depressive states quickly — sleep stabilization is the core of treatment. Keeping a record of your episode patterns and seasonal changes and bringing it to consultations helps us develop a more precise treatment plan.
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