Crying in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different crying patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Crying is a natural, emotional response to a wide range of stimuli, often triggered by emotions such as sadness, joy, or frustration. Medically, it involves the shedding of tears from the lacrimal glands, often accompanied by changes in facial expressions and vocal sounds, such as sobbing. While crying serves as an outlet for emotional release, it can also occur in response to physical pain or irritation of the eyes. In some cases, excessive crying may indicate underlying emotional or psychological distress, warranting further exploration.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views crying as more than just an emotional reaction. It considers crying to be a manifestation of underlying imbalances in the body's energy, or Qi. Unlike Western medicine, which may focus on the emotional or psychological causes of crying, TCM emphasizes the need to identify specific patterns of disharmony within the body. These patterns, which may involve deficiencies or blockages in the body's Qi, Blood, or Yin, must be accurately diagnosed to provide effective treatment.
TCM Patterns for Crying
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause crying
Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Heart Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Pale thin and slightly dry tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Normal-coloured without coating or with rootless coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Crying
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address crying