Traditional Chinese Medicine psychological therapy is being used to treat college students in Shaanxi province to ease anxiety and depression.

The "body-first" approach focuses on diet, sleep and exercise to promote "harmony between body and mind".

At Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, students are being encouraged to sleep before 11 pm, and take a nap between 11 am and 1 pm, to "nourish the organs and alleviate anxiety, insomnia and irritability caused by late-night study", said Tong Yajing, an associate professor in basic TCM theory at the university.

In their free time, students are also being encouraged to press pressure points, practice qigong (a traditional breathing exercise that strengthens the body's resilience), adopt a TCM diet in line with the seasons, and take part in mindfulness activities and music therapy.

"All the measures follow TCM's core theory that the body and mind are interdependent and must be nurtured together to achieve true well-being, and that maintaining a regular diet and sleep is the foundation of keeping healthy," Tong said. "Students with a better physical condition tend to be more resistant to stress."

Xiao Si (a pseudonym), a junior student who had struggled with depression and emotional detachment, had previously frequently used psychological counseling at the university. At the same time, she tried TCM therapy involving mindfulness, painting and dancing.

"Previously, I paid little attention to my physical sensations, and I even skipped meals for an entire day," she said. "Through the TCM practices, I have learned to be more careful with my body, which has been helpful in improving my mental state."

Xiao Chen (a pseudonym), a sophomore, practices tai chi and baduanjin, a traditional breathing and stretching exercise, especially when she feels great pressure.

"I had a headache earlier this month worrying about the final exams. I joined a tai chi workshop, where I could completely let go of the tension from study," she said. "After practice, my mind was in a state of calm emptiness, free from random thoughts. Moreover, exercise seems to have a positive effect on memory."

In Xiao Chen's view, Western psychological counseling focuses on analyzing the root cause of mental issues and then offers targeted treatments, but repeated probing can trigger emotional fluctuations for some people. In contrast, TCM approaches avoid excessively investigating causes. TCM acts on the body first, with improved physical condition feeding back to the mind.

She said it's more cost-effective and more time-flexible.

According to a survey from the university, the main psychological problems among its students involve interpersonal relationships and academic pressure, causing depression and anxiety, often accompanied by somatic symptoms such as insomnia and forgetfulness.

The survey showed that 95.58 percent of students reported tangible benefits from TCM psychological therapy. Data from the before and after tests for the mindfulness meditation program showed that students' anxiety levels decreased significantly afterward.

Psychology teacher Yang Hui said a student with serious anxiety adjusted his breathing rhythm and optimized his lifestyle as advised, for example, focusing on his meals without looking at his cellphone and developing a regular sleep schedule. "After persisting with these changes for some time, his anxiety improved significantly," she said.

The university promotes TCM healthcare methods through its official WeChat account, lectures and workshops, and plans to expand its influence to other universities in the province.

The idea of "treating body and mind simultaneously to achieve wellness" has also been adopted at Xi'an Shiyou University.

Its baduanjin workshop is held at 10 am and 4 pm daily. It also organizes both students and parents to participate in mindfulness photography activities. In 21-day cycles, participants are encouraged to record their daily lives and feelings through photos. It also combines traditional Chinese culture with mindfulness, such as organizing the practice of copying out and reciting poems that correspond to students' current state.

"Anxiety comes from disordered thinking," said Yan Gaobin, a psychological counselor at the university, who added that international students also take part in these activities. "The postures, breathing techniques and external movements of baduanjin are orderly. It helps bring the body and mind back to a peaceful state and achieves a relaxing effect."

Hui Xiaoyin, another counselor, said she promotes mindfulness exercises that involve abdominal breathing to create an antagonistic balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, helping students relax from a state of tension.

"When feeling anxious during exams or struggling to concentrate while studying, mindfulness guides students back to the present moment," she said. "Background sounds continuously remind them to slow down their breathing, and this approach allows students to naturally master relaxation skills through practice."

The low barrier to participation is an important reason that students are able to persist in doing these activities, she added.

Liu Xueru contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at chenmeiling@chinadaily.com.cn