Abnormal Behavioraccording to TCM

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Symptom family: Behavioral Disorders

Root Causes of Abnormal Behavior in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Abnormal behavior according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heart
  • Liver
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Abnormal Behavior

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Misting the Heart Abnormal and foolish behavior, Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit... see more Wen Dan Tang | Di Tan Tang | Gun Tan Wan | Su He Xiang Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Mind Disturbance

In TCM "Shen" refers to the mind or spirit, and a Shen disturbance is a pattern of disharmony that affects the mental and emotional state. This concept reflects the TCM belief in the deep interconnectedness of mind and body. Symptoms of Shen disturbance can vary widely but often include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, confusion, or in severe cases, hallucinations or delirium. These symptoms indicate an imbalance in the body's energies affecting the heart, which in TCM is not only the center of blood circulation but also the seat of the mind and consciousness. The root of Shen disturbance can be traced to various factors, including emotional stress, physical illness, or an imbalance in fundamental substances like Qi, Yin, or Yang.... see more

Mind Disturbance Patterns That Can Lead to Abnormal Behavior

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Misting the Heart Abnormal and foolish behavior, Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit... see more Wen Dan Tang | Di Tan Tang | Gun Tan Wan | Su He Xiang Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Abnormal Behavior

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation Abnormal behavior, Abnormal speech, Inability to control oneself, Confusion, Melancholia, Crying, Insomnia, Yawning Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Abnormal Behavior

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation Abnormal behavior, Abnormal speech, Inability to control oneself, Confusion, Melancholia, Crying, Insomnia, Yawning Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Heart

In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Abnormal Behavior

Common Symptoms: Confusion Loss Of Consciousness Hypersomnia Incoherent Or Confused Speech Slurred Speech Aphasia Noisy Breathing Vomit

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Misting the Heart Abnormal and foolish behavior, Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit... see more Wen Dan Tang | Di Tan Tang | Gun Tan Wan | Su He Xiang Wan
Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation Abnormal behavior, Abnormal speech, Inability to control oneself, Confusion, Melancholia, Crying, Insomnia, Yawning Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Abnormal Behavior

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation Abnormal behavior, Abnormal speech, Inability to control oneself, Confusion, Melancholia, Crying, Insomnia, Yawning Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Abnormal Behavior

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address abnormal behavior, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that dispel phlegm
  • Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind

All Formulas Recommended for Abnormal Behavior Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Misting the Heart
Di Tan Tang Phlegm Misting the Heart
Gun Tan Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart
Su He Xiang Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart

All Formulas Recommended for Abnormal Behavior Caused by Mind Disturbance

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Misting the Heart
Di Tan Tang Phlegm Misting the Heart
Gun Tan Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart
Su He Xiang Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart

TCM Herbs for Abnormal Behavior

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address abnormal behavior, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that open the orifices
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that regulate qi
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that stabilize and bind

"Herbs that open the Orifices" recommended for abnormal behavior

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Styrax (Su He Xiang) Su He Xiang Wan
Musk (She Xiang) Su He Xiang Wan
Borneol (Bing Pian) Su He Xiang Wan
Benzoin (An Xi Xiang) Su He Xiang Wan

"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for abnormal behavior

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) Wen Dan Tang
Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing) Di Tan Tang