Based on the theory of "treating and regulating the mind"

this paper systematically reviews the academic thoughts and clinical characteristics of Lingnan acupuncture for depression. In contemporary clinical practice

Lingnan physicians take the "unblocking and regulating the mind" as the core

focusing on "soothing the liver and regulating

qi

"

and"unblocking and regulating the primary

qi

"; with "caring for the middle and nourishing the mind" as the foundation

Lingnan physicians emphasize the coordinated regulation of the spleen and stomach to generate

qi

and blood; besides

Lingnan physicians take "regulating the heart and calming the mind" as the key

focusing on nourishing the heart

calming the mind

stabilizing the will

and relieving depression. These three aspects are interlinked

forming an acupuncture diagnosis and treatment system targeting the characteristics of depression in the Lingnan region

which are often marked by dampness

stagnation

consumption of

qi

and injury to

yin

and providing new ideas for the clinical and practical research of acupuncture for treating depression.