Abstract:

Objective: The theory and method of psychotherapy through traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）are important parts of mental health service. To explore the theory and method of psychotherapy through TCM and for mental health service practitioners to learn and inherit them. Methods: Documents about psychotherapy through TCM published from 1979 to 2008 were applied with metrological and content analysis. Results: The theory of psychotherapy by TCM included the holism of body and spirit, systematic and holistic theory of five emotions, emotion pathopoiesis. Among these, emotion pathopoiesis was the most frequently used. Psychotherapy theories and menthods by TCM mostly came from ancient books on TCM, among which Huangdi's Orthodox Classic was the most  frequently quoted. Conclusion: Further exploration and sorting need to be done cooperatively by psychological and TCM practitioners.

Key words: psychotherapy theories of TCM, psychotherapy methods of TCM, ancient books on TCM, bibliometrics, content analysis