Q Does Korean medicine treatment actually help with social phobia? Shouldn't psychological counseling or medication come first?
A For moderate-to-severe social phobia, SSRIs and cognitive behavioral therapy are the first-line choices, while Korean medicine is used as a complement alongside medication and counseling, or as a supportive measure for mild symptoms. Korean medicine can make a meaningful contribution to reducing the body's anxiety response.
Detailed Answer
The standard treatment for social phobia is a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and SSRI medications (sertraline, paroxetine, etc.). Rather than replacing these, Korean medicine plays a complementary role in two directions. First, it helps reduce anxious physical reactions (palpitations, trembling, cold sweat) in patients who cannot take medication or who have mild symptoms. Second, when used alongside medication and counseling, it improves sleep quality, stabilizes digestion, and restores overall vitality, helping patients sustain treatment. However, if symptoms are moderate-to-severe or daily life is seriously impaired, we recommend consultation with a psychiatrist first.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we approach social phobia within the framework of Liver Qi Stagnation plus Heart-Gallbladder Deficiency with Timidity. We use Gamisoyo-san to release Liver stagnation, Sihogayonggoulmoryeo-tang to calm anxiety and palpitations, and acupuncture at Taichong (태충), Hegu (합곡), and Neiguan (내관) to stabilize the autonomic nervous system. The effect is amplified when combined with psychotherapy.
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