Coma in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different coma patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
A coma is a deep state of prolonged unconsciousness in which individuals cannot be awakened, fail to respond normally to painful stimuli, light, or sound, lack a normal wake-sleep cycle, and do not initiate voluntary actions.
Comas can result from various conditions, including severe injuries to the brain, such as trauma or stroke, illnesses that affect the brain, like diabetes or infections, and substances that alter brain function, including drugs and alcohol. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for treatment and prognosis.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets coma as a severe disturbance in the balance of Yin and Yang within the body, affecting the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the physical causes of coma, TCM considers both the physical and spiritual aspects, attributing coma to factors such as Phlegm obstruction, Internal Wind, extreme Heat, or a Deficiency of vital substances. Identifying the specific disharmony is key to TCM treatment, aiming to restore balance and awaken the patient from the coma.
TCM Patterns for Coma
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Coma, Sudden collapse
Phlegm is both a pathological product and a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It results from impaired fluid metabolism when the body's transformative functions fail, particularly affecting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. Classical texts emphasize that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the Lungs are the storage vessel for phlegm."
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Coma
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Rapid breath
Phlegm Misting the Heart
Coma
Along with: Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Coma
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression
Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices
Sudden collapse, Coma
Along with: Loss of consciousness, Clenching of teeth, Shortness of breath, Pale face, Copious sputum, Drooling
Heat
Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes
Causes: Coma
Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.
Heat in Pericardium
Coma
Along with: Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Coma
Along with: High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Coma
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Rapid breath
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Coma
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression
Mind Disturbance
Disruption of consciousness, mental clarity, and emotional equilibrium causing restlessness, confusion, or withdrawal
Causes: Coma
Mind Disturbance represents a broad category of patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine involving disruptions to consciousness, mental clarity, emotional stability, and cognitive function. These patterns affect the Shen (spirit/consciousness), which according to classical texts resides in the Heart and is distributed among the five organs.
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Coma
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Rapid breath
Phlegm Misting the Heart
Coma
Along with: Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Coma
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression
Wind
Causes sudden symptoms, movement disorders, and serves as the vehicle for other pathogens
Causes: Coma
Wind is the predominant pathogenic factor of spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is considered the leader of the six external pathogens. Wind is described as "the leader of the hundred diseases" (百病之长), serving as the primary factor in external pathogenic invasions. Wind represents a pathogen characterized by constant movement, changeability, and a tendency to affect the upper and outer portions of the body.
Interior Wind
Coma
Along with: Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation, Eye deviation, Tremors, Headaches, Limb numbness
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
Coma
Along with: High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Coma
Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats
Yang Excess
Excessive yang energy that generates heat, agitation, and hyperactivity throughout the body systems
Causes: Coma
Yang Excess represents pathological hyperactivity of the body's yang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It manifests as excessive heat, inflammation, and overstimulation that disrupts the normal balance between yin and yang, causing various acute and intense symptoms.
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Coma
Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats
Herbal Formulas for Coma
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address coma
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Nourishes Blood
- Calms the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension...
Feng Yin Tang
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals
- Calms the Mind
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension...
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Hot Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder Heat
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Increases Fluids
- Relaxes the sinews
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
- Improves vision
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension...
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Calms the Liver
- Extinguishes wind
- Invigorates the blood
- Clears heat
- Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to extreme Heat
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Hand tremor, Opisthotonos
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Nourishes the Yin
- Anchors the Yang
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension...
Zhi Bao Dan
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Resolves toxicity
- Transforms Phlegm
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Heat in Pericardium
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Bu Gan Tang
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and regulates the Blood
- Nourishes the Liver Yin
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Di Tan Tang
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Phlegm
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Tonifies Qi
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Ding Zhi Wan
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Heart Qi
- Pacifies timidity
- Calms the Mind
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Gun Tan Wan
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire and Phlegm
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Hui Chun Dan
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Arrests spasms and convulsions
- Clears Heat and transforms Phlegm
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Hypertension...
Qing Ying Tang
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Nutritive level Heat
- Relieves Fire Toxin
- Removes Heat
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Heat in Pericardium
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Nighttime fever, Delirium, Confusion, Incoherent or confused speech, Cold extremities
Sheng Tie Luo Yin
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Sedates the Heart
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Fire
- Calms the Mind
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Interior Wind
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Tic disorder, Mouth deviation...
Su He Xiang Wan
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and aromatically opens the sensory orifices
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Transforms turbidity
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Tong Guan San
Addresses these coma patterns:
Main Actions
- Unblocks the jaw
- Opens the sensory orifices
Addresses These Coma Pattern Variations
Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices
How it manifests:
Sudden collapse, Coma
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of consciousness, Clenching of teeth, Shortness of breath, Pale face, Copious sputum, Drooling
Shen Fu Tang
Traditional formula for coma
Main Actions
- Restores Yang
- Strongly tonifies the source Qi
- Saves Qi from collapsing due to devastated Yang