New Program Offers Chinese Medicine as a Treatment Option for Mental Health
A new initiative launched in Hong Kong aims to bring traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to the forefront of mental health treatment.
Spearheaded by Baptist University, the program offers free Chinese medicine and counseling services to 5,000 people struggling with mental health issues. With a HK$70.95 million grant from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charity Trust, the three-year program launched in July 2023 in collaboration with the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association.
As of November 15, more than 800 individuals had already participated, reporting impressive improvements in their sleep quality and overall mental well-being.
Associate Vice-President of Clinical Chinese Medicine Bian Zhaoxiang emphasized the program’s goal: tackling the increasing prevalence of mental health issues through evidence-based TCM practices.
The initiative not only provides treatment but also focuses on
raising public awareness and enhancing understanding of mental wellness through education.
Training for a Holistic Approach
To ensure a comprehensive approach, the program includes interdisciplinary training
for 100 Chinese medicine practitioners and social workers. This specialized training aims to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to support individuals dealing with common mental disorders.
Furthermore, 150 ambassadors and 100 students will receive training to deepen their understanding of these complex issues, fostering a sense of community involvement and support.
“We ultimately aim to establish localized Chinese medicine treatment protocols for common mental disorders,” explained Bian, the principal investigator of the program.
A Blend of Tradition and Modern Medicine
Practitioners from the university will prescribe herbal tisanes, or traditional Chinese herbal formulas, to participants aged 18 to 65 who experience mild to moderate mental health issues, such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression. This treatment plan spans six weeks.
Cindy Yiu Yan-yee from the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association clarified the process: if patients do not show significant improvement after the six-week period, social workers and counselors will step in to provide additional support.
Individuals experiencing severe mental illnesses will be referred to hospitals or specialized institutions to ensure they receive the most appropriate care.
Expanding Options For Mental Wellbeing
Executive Associate Director and Professor of Practice Yang Junjun, from the university’s School of Chinese Medicine, highlighted a crucial point: currently, only 1.8 percent of mentally ill patients opt for Chinese medicine.
“We hope to encourage more people to consider Chinese medicine for mental health treatment,” he expressed.
During the program’s launch ceremony, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han spoke about the potential of Chinese medicine to enhance mental illness treatment, particularly for those hesitant to seek traditional Western medicine.
He urged individuals facing mental health challenges, especially those wary of Western medicine, to explore the possibilities offered by this new program.
