Depression in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different depression patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

13
TCM Patterns
81
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 13 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each depression pattern
Classical remedies 81 herbal formulas documented

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), depression is not merely a psychological issue but a systemic one. It is seen as a result of disharmony and imbalance within the body's energy system or Qi.

TCM posits that emotional well-being is intertwined with physical health; thus, identifying the unique 'pattern' of disharmony is pivotal. Treatment is tailored to the individual, aimed at restoring balance and addressing the root cause rather than just alleviating symptoms.

TCM Patterns for Depression

Qi Stagnation

Causes: Depression

9 variations documented
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia,

Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Heart Qi Stagnation
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Palpitations, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi Stagnation
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: General fullness, Moving pain, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing

Pericardium Qi Stagnation
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Mild chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sighing, Throat lumps, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi-Phlegm
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Upper abdominal oppression, Irritability, Mood swings

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Mood swings,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Irritability, Dry mouth, Loss of appetite,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Coughing, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Dizziness, Headaches, Apathy, Moving pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Phlegm

Causes: Depression, Mental depression

7 variations documented
Phlegm
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness

Phlegm-Heat
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces

Qi-Phlegm
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Upper abdominal oppression, Irritability, Mood swings

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest,

Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with depression

Mental depression

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia,

Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it presents with depression

Mental depression

Along with: Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia,

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with depression

Mental depression

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia,

Qi Deficiency

Causes: Depression

6 variations documented
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations,

Liver Qi Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Nervousness, Timidity, Easily startled,

Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Shortness of breath, Coughing, Weak voice, Dislike of speaking, Pale face, Frequent colds or flu,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Sticky vaginal discharge, Generalized fatigue, Cold extremities, Diarrhea, White vaginal discharge, Loss of appetite,

Stomach Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Loss of appetite, Dry mouth, Morning sickness

Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Coughing, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Dizziness, Headaches, Apathy, Moving pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Deficiency

Causes: Depression

6 variations documented
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations,

Blood Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Palpitations, Dizziness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Poor memory, Anxiety,

Liver Blood Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Blurry vision, Dull pale complexion, Scanty menstruation, Limb numbness, Pale lips, Muscle weakness,

Spleen Blood Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Primary amenorrhea, Lower back pain, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Amenorrhea,

Yin Deficiency

Causes: Depression

6 variations documented
Lung Yin Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Dislike of speaking, Thin chest

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart Yin Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Hysteria, Neurasthenia

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation,

Liver Yin Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters,

Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Stomach Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Loss of appetite, Dry mouth, Morning sickness

Heat

Causes: Depression, Mental depression

5 variations documented
Phlegm-Heat
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Mood swings,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with depression

Mental depression

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia,

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with depression

Mental depression

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia,

Stomach Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Loss of appetite, Dry mouth, Morning sickness

Yang Deficiency

Causes: Depression

4 variations documented
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills,

Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen or Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Abdominal pain that worsens with cold, Urinary dysfunction, Deep pain and heaviness in limbs, Dizziness, Heavy sensation in the head, Edema,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Stasis

Causes: Depression

3 variations documented
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Heart Vessel obstructed
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain,

Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Dull pale complexion, Weak limbs,

Mind Disturbance

Causes: Mental depression

3 variations documented
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with depression

Mental depression

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia,

Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it presents with depression

Mental depression

Along with: Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia,

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with depression

Mental depression

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia,

Qi Sinking

Causes: Depression, Mental depression

2 variations documented
Spleen Qi Sinking
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
How it presents with depression

Mental depression

Along with: Uterine prolapse, Prolapsed bladder, Stomach prolapse, Nephroptosis, Anus prolapse, Bearing down sensation in abdomen,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Essence Deficiency

Causes: Depression

1 variation documented
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Primary amenorrhea, Lower back pain, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Amenorrhea,

Cold

Causes: Depression

1 variation documented
Stomach Deficiency
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Loss of appetite, Dry mouth, Morning sickness

Dampness

Causes: Depression

1 variation documented
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with depression

Depression

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest,

Herbal Formulas for Depression

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address depression

Si Wu Tang

Addresses these depression patterns:

Blood Deficiency Qi Deficiency Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang

Addresses these depression patterns:

Qi Deficiency Yin Deficiency Heat Cold

Er Chen Tang

Addresses these depression patterns:

Qi Deficiency Yin Deficiency Heat Cold

Mai Men Dong Tang

Addresses these depression patterns:

Qi Deficiency Yin Deficiency Heat Cold

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

Addresses these depression patterns:

Qi Deficiency Blood Deficiency Qi Sinking

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Addresses these depression patterns:

Blood Deficiency Essence Deficiency Yin Deficiency

Di Tan Tang

Addresses these depression patterns:

Blood Stasis Phlegm Mind Disturbance

Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang

Addresses these depression patterns:

Phlegm Heat Mind Disturbance

Gui Pi Tang

Addresses these depression patterns:

Qi Deficiency Blood Deficiency Blood Stasis