The risk of depression is relatively high among adolescents, which is related to their physiological characteristics of "inadequate kidney qi and initial flourishing of liver qi." Owing to kidney essence deficiency and failure of water to nourish wood (a traditional Chinese medical concept where kidney belongs to water and liver to wood, and water should nourish wood), it leads to hyperactivity of liver yang and a restless spirit and soul, resulting in pattern of kidney deficiency and liver hyperactivity characterized by kidney deficiency as the root cause and liver hyperactivity as the manifestation. Clinically, this presents as low mood, cognitive decline, anxiety, irritability, and various somatic symptoms. The therapeutic principle of "nourishing water to nourish wood and calming the liver to soothe the spirit" recommends, firstly, nourishing water to nourish wood and strengthen the innate constitution using herbs such as Ciwujia (root and vine of manyprickle acanthopanax) and Bajitian (morinda root) to replenish kidney essence. Furthermore, to subdue hyperactive liver yang and calm the spirit, heavy mineral and shell medicines like Qingmengshi (chlorite schist) and Shenglonggu (bone fossil of big mammals) are used to suppress the floating yang, along with Chaihu (Chinese thorowax root) and Huangqin (baical skullcap root) to disperse and clear liver fire. Lastly, to strengthen the spleen and harmonize the central pivot, auxiliary herbs such as Baizhu (largehead atractylodes rhizome) and Fuling (Indian bread) are used to regulate the spleen and stomach. This not only aids in the transportation and transformation of the medicinal effects but also prevents the stagnation caused by nourishing remedies and the damage caused by heavy sedatives. The synergistic application of these methods, which involve treating both the liver and kidney simultaneously and addressing the root cause and symptoms, provides a novel theoretical basis and clinical approach for preventing and treating adolescent depression.

Post-stroke depression, a common complication after stroke, severely affects the physical and mental rehabilitation of patients. Currently, the treatment of depression after stroke has limitations, such as limited efficacy and numerous adverse reactions. Preventing and treating depression after stroke have specific effects; however, the optimal intervention timing and duration remain unclear. Based on the principle of preventive treatment of diseases and the theory that "excessive fire consumes qi" (Huangdi Neijing), this article explores the influence of the stroke etiology and pathogenesis on secondary depression. The article proposes the pathogenesis of post-stroke depression as "wind and fire interacting-excessive fire consuming qi-spirit decline and qi depression," where fire is the pathological cause, qi is the fundamental pathogenesis, and spirit is the disease manifestation. The disease can be prevented after the occurrence of stroke, but treatment should occur before "excessive fire consumes qi." Clearing fire, preserving the body′ s normal functions, and reducing fire to protect qi and prevent depression are advisable. After "excessive fire consumes qi," which results in spirit decline and qi depression, dispersing stagnated liver qi for relieving qi stagnation, nourishing the spirit, and relieving depression to treat it are recommended. This article elaborates on the pathogenesis of post-stroke depression as " fire-qi-spirit, "based on the theory of" excessive fire consumes qi" and "preventing disease from exacerbating." This study proposes reducing fire to protect qi and nourishing the spirit to relieve depression to prevent and treat post-stroke depression, with the aim of providing a novel theoretical basis and practical guidance for preventing and treating post-stroke depression in traditional Chinese medicine.