Dysautonomia in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different dysautonomia patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Dysautonomia refers to a disorder of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Individuals with dysautonomia experience a malfunctioning of these automatic processes, leading to a wide range of symptoms including but not limited to abnormal heart rates, fainting, unstable blood pressure, and digestive issues.
Because the ANS regulates so many critical functions, dysautonomia can significantly impact one's quality of life, presenting challenges that vary greatly in severity and symptoms.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dysautonomia is seen through the lens of imbalance within the body's internal systems. Unlike the Western approach that categorizes it as a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, TCM interprets the symptoms associated with dysautonomia as manifestations of disharmony between the fundamental elements of Qi, Yin, Yang, and Blood.
The focus is on identifying the underlying imbalances that disrupt the body's natural state of equilibrium, leading to the diverse and complex symptoms observed in dysautonomia. Diagnosis and treatment in TCM, therefore, aim to restore balance and harmony to the body's vital energies.
TCM Patterns for Dysautonomia
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause dysautonomia
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney and Heart Qi Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Fine (Xi), Weak (Ruo)
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Fine (Xi), Rapid (Shu)
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Dysautonomia
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address dysautonomia