Anorexiaaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Mental Health Disorders, Body Weight Issues
What is Anorexia?
Anorexia, medically referred to as anorexia nervosa, is a serious eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to extreme thinness.
It involves a distorted body image and a relentless pursuit of thinness, often resulting in severe health complications. Anorexia is not just about food; it's a complex condition intertwining psychological, social, and physical aspects, making its treatment multifaceted.
How does TCM view Anorexia?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on anorexia, viewing it as a disharmony within the body’s natural energy systems. Unlike Western medicine, which primarily focuses on psychological factors and nutritional rehabilitation, TCM looks at anorexia as a symptom of imbalances in life force, or Qi, as well as disturbances in the functions of organs like the Spleen and Stomach.
TCM emphasizes restoring harmony and balance through a holistic approach, incorporating herbal remedies, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments.
Causes of Anorexia according to TCM
In TCM, anorexia is often linked to two primary patterns: Stomach Yang Deficiency and Spleen Qi Deficiency. Stomach Yang Deficiency is characterized by a cold sensation in the Stomach, a preference for warm foods, and lethargy, indicating a decline in the 'digestive fire'.
Spleen Qi Deficiency, on the other hand, manifests as poor appetite, fatigue, and a feeling of heaviness, suggesting a weakened ability to transform and transport nutrients. Understanding these patterns is vital for TCM practitioners to create an effective treatment plan, focusing on revitalizing the body's Qi and restoring organ function.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Anorexia
For treating anorexia, TCM prescribes specific formulas based on the underlying patterns. For Stomach Yang Deficiency, Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with Milkvetch Roots as the key ingredient, is used to warm the Middle and dispel cold, thus revitalizing the Stomach's energy.
In cases of Spleen Qi Deficiency, Liu Jun Zi Tang, featuring Ginseng, is preferred to strengthen the spleen and lung Qi. Additionally, Wei Ling Tang, with Water Plantain, is employed to expel dampness, addressing patterns like Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus. These formulas work collectively to nourish the body, improve digestion, and enhance overall energy levels.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address anorexia, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that expel dampness
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Anorexia can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
Anorexia can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Liu Jun Zi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that expel Dampness
Anorexia can be treated by these formulas in cases where dampness obstructs the body's normal functions, necessitating herbs that specifically target and expel dampness.
One such formula is Wei Ling Tang, with water plantain as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Anorexia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address anorexia, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Herbs that drain dampness
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Anorexia can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for anorexia, like Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for anorexia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
| Maltose (Yi Tang) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Liu Jun Zi Tang |
| King Solomon's Seal Roots (Huang Jing) | Not applicable |
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Anorexia can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for anorexia, like Wei Ling Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for anorexia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) | Wei Ling Tang |
| Amomum Fruits (Sha Ren) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Anorexia can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Human Placentas (Zi He Che), which is directly recommended for anorexia.
Herbs that open the Orifices
Anorexia can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Sweetflag Rhizomes (Shi Chang Pu), which is directly recommended for anorexia.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Anorexia can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Water Plantain (Ze Xie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for anorexia, like Wei Ling Tang.