We live in an era of high depression rates, and sadly, the numbers will only grow. Taoism teaches the unity of heaven and humanity, the harmony of form, energy, and spirit, the preservation of inner righteousness, and living in accordance with nature. The human body is a small universe; when body and mind are imbalanced, yin and yang are disordered, vital energy is deficient, or we go against our true nature, emotional disorders and depression take root.

What are the causes of depression?

1. Yang Deficiency and Weakness

From a Chinese medicine perspective, our bodies are protected by defensive energy (wei qi). In Taoist thought, humans are born from the yang energy of heaven and earth; yang is the foundation of life and the root that resists all yin pathogens. So-called “deficiency diseases” are not baseless—they arise when yang energy is depleted, vital energy is insufficient, the spirit loses its anchor, and yin evil intrudes.

I once heard a true story: a man insisted on jumping off a building, and several people couldn’t hold him back. His family urgently called an old master. The master spoke a few words without any dramatic action, and the man immediately calmed down and walked down on his own. The family was puzzled and asked what happened. The master said, “This man’s yang energy was extremely weak, and his spirit was disturbed by yin evil. The evil tempted him to end his life. I used Taoist methods to expel the evil and stabilize his spirit, and he regained clarity.”

In simple terms, the man had too little yang energy, and something clung to him, seeking a substitute, constantly urging him to jump. The master drove it away, and once his mind cleared, he no longer wanted to jump. This phenomenon is not uncommon today. The root cause: modern people are under great pressure, stay up late draining their spirit, don’t exercise, sit for long periods, or carry too many burdens in their hearts. Their yang energy gradually depletes, leading to weak vital energy, yang deficiency, and restless souls.

2. Innate Constitution and Five Elements

At birth, we carry an innate five-element energy pattern—like a factory setting, some aspects strong, others weak. This affects both emotions and body. Many cases of depression are linked to this constitutional predisposition.

This innate constitution can be adjusted. Seek a knowledgeable practitioner to harmonize your energy field, wear appropriate accessories, or consult a Chinese medicine doctor for herbs that soothe liver qi. When the body’s energy flows smoothly, the mood naturally lifts.

Moreover, based on years of observation, many depression sufferers possess extraordinary talent and auspicious birth charts. Their highly sensitive souls perceive and absorb information and energy from the world more intensely, and they have deep empathy for others’ joys and sorrows. Amid chaotic magnetic fields, they fall into depression.

Buddhism speaks of seeing through and letting go. But Taoism’s Zhuangzi is more down-to-earth, teaching us to live freely, at ease, and not take things too seriously. Don’t cling to gain and loss, fame and fortune. Don’t fight yourself. When the knots in your heart are untied, qi flows smoothly, and illness naturally heals. As people often say, when the heart opens, all ailments disappear. So I also recommend reading Zhuangzi.

3. Overbearing Parents and Family Issues

This is the most heartbreaking cause, especially for children with depression—ten out of ten cases are family-related. Taoism says women belong to yin, the Kun trigram, like the earth: tolerant, steady. When the earth is quiet, it nourishes all things. But if a woman in the family is too domineering, constantly scolding and blaming, the home loses its peaceful energy, and children suffer the most.

What parents should truly do is not force children to live the life they want, but discover their strengths, follow their nature, and help them excel at what they love. If parents constantly pressure and criticize, children feel no love or warmth, gradually become自卑 and depressed, and eventually collapse completely.

4. Spiritual Causes

A considerable number of depression cases stem from other, unspeakable causes: possession by ghosts or spirits, curses from yansheng (black magic), feng shui problems with ancestral graves, or going astray in spiritual practice without a teacher. We have encountered many such cases, and we can help resolve them.

How to Treat Depression?

1. Be Kind to Yourself and Treat the Root Cause

Whatever the cause, treat it accordingly: if yang is weak, supplement yang and nurture vital energy; if constitution is disordered, regulate the body and relax the mind; if family is the issue, change temperaments and be more tolerant.

Many depression sufferers have endured or are enduring great life pressures, and many are perfectionists.

First, learn to be kind to yourself and accept yourself. Imagine you are a plant, reborn. Your daily task is to grow strong, innocent, and single-minded, becoming the version of yourself you like.

Cultivating a hobby can effectively cut off anxious thoughts. Also, spend time in places with high energy fields: sunny tree shades, lakesides, riversides, seasides, lively markets, temples, Taoist monasteries, churches, etc. When you feel pessimistic, take a stroll in these places, and you’ll instantly feel much better.

2. Cultivate Both Nature and Life (Xing Ming Shuang Xiu) for a Fundamental Cure

Taoism says “nature” (xing) is spirit, and “life” (ming) is the body; both must be nurtured. The Dongxuan Lingbao Taishang Liuqi Shizhi Shengji Jing states, “One who desires longevity must cherish qi, respect spirit, and value essence.” Like Yu the Great controlling floods, first “govern spirit-qi and train sinews and bones” (Mawangdui Medical Texts: Ten Questions). When the body is strong, the spirit is stable.

Train the body: Practice health exercises like Five Animals Play (Wu Qin Xi) or Eight Brocades (Ba Duan Jin) to promote qi and blood circulation. Disciples of our school can daily practice the exclusive Fire Thunder Hall inheritance exercises, which greatly benefit body maintenance.

Train the spirit: Study the Qingjing Jing (Scripture of Clarity and Stillness): “If one can always be clear and still, heaven and earth will return to him.” Sit in meditation, observe the mind, and restore the original clarity of the spirit. When the body is severely deficient, the mind easily wanders and torments itself, causing more pain. So first solidify the basics—eating, sleeping, exercising—then gradually train the mind. For example, tell yourself: “Right now I am playing the role of a ‘depressed person.’ Step back and see that this character is not the real me.”

For those with severe depression, there is a method not commonly shared: hand-copy the San Guan Jing (Three Officials Scripture) and recite it daily. For better results, imitate the Three Officials’ hand-written document: write down your deepest secrets, your greatest fears, and the things you least want to face on paper, then burn it when offering incense at a Taoist temple. Let the ancestors handle what you cannot. Of course, there are many details involved; consult us for more information.

Conclusion

Finally, I want to advise everyone: Accumulating virtue and doing good deeds is the best amulet.

Many say that encountering a good doctor or noble helper in times of trouble is a matter of luck. In Taoist view, this is not luck but blessing. Do good deeds often, keep a kind heart, treat others generously, and over time, your energy field will improve. Laozi said, “Superior virtue is not virtuous.” True kindness is not performed for show but is ingrained in one’s nature.

In this life, don’t be too rigid, don’t force things. Follow nature, nurture your body, guard your heart, accumulate virtue. When body and mind are in harmony, life will be stable, and you won’t be trapped by these troubles.

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