The new study showing that rumination tends to result in depression and anxiety brings to mind the Chinese medicine diagnosis of overthinking. This pattern is associated with poor digestion in Chinese medicine and is something I come across quite frequently in clinic - people constantly chew things over in their minds and they don't digest their food well, either. Interestingly, the article observes that rumination can also create eating disorders - a real vicious circle happening. Patients I see are often more concerned about other people than themselves and worry about everything. This process often interferes with their sleep pattern as well, making things worse.
When giving acupuncture to help break the cycle and relieve depression, I often give dietary suggestions alongside treatment, as eating nourishing foods complements treatment very well. As eating patterns improve, and acupuncture lifts energy and calms the mind, patients start to worry less, and their emotional outlook becomes brighter. Seeing patients like this begin to feel better is a very rewarding experience.
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