Generalized Fatigue in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different generalized fatigue patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

15
TCM Patterns
105
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 15 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each generalized fatigue pattern
Classical remedies 105 herbal formulas documented

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), generalized fatigue is viewed through the lens of energy balance and harmony within the body. TCM practitioners believe this condition results from disharmonies or deficiencies in the body’s Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, or Yang.

TCM approaches fatigue not just as a physical issue but as a holistic imbalance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical symptoms with emotional and mental well-being. Identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment in TCM.

TCM Patterns for Generalized Fatigue

Qi Deficiency

Causes: Fatigue, Tiredness, Lassitude, Tiredness in the morning

18 variations documented
Qi Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue, Tiredness

Along with: General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Apathy, Dislike of speaking, Spontaneous sweat,

Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue, Tiredness

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

Heart Qi Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Palpitations, Exertional dyspnea, Pale face, Spontaneous sweat, Generalized fatigue

Kidney Qi not Firm
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission,

Liver Qi Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

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

Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue, Lassitude

Along with: Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen,

Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness, Lassitude

Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs,

Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness, Lassitude

Along with: Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs,

Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Lung Qi Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

Along with: Daytime sweating, Dislike of speaking

Stomach Qi Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness in the morning

Along with: Morning fatigue

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Early menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia,

Heart and Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Palpitations, Insomnia, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Anxiety, Pale face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath,

Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

Along with: Sticky vaginal discharge, Generalized fatigue, Depression, Cold extremities, Diarrhea, White vaginal discharge,

Stomach Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

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

Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

Along with: Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Deficiency

Causes: Fatigue, Lassitude, Tiredness, Exhaustion from long-term illness, Exhaustion

11 variations documented
Heart Yang Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Palpitations, Exertional dyspnea, Generalized fatigue, Spontaneous sweat, Slight feeling of stuffiness in the heart, Chills,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue, Lassitude, Tiredness, Exhaustion from long-term illness

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

Lung Yang Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Cold extremities, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Pale face, Generalized fatigue,

Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue, Lassitude

Along with: Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills,

Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue, Lassitude

Along with: Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth,

Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness, Lassitude

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Greater Yin stage
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

Along with: Loss of appetite, Vomit, Abdominal fullness, Chills, Diarrhea, Absence of thirst,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

Along with: Epigastric pain relieved with pressure or eating, Loss of appetite, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Absence of thirst, Weak limbs,

Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Exhaustion

Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain,

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

Fatigue, Lassitude

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 generalized fatigue

Tiredness

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

Yin Deficiency

Causes: Fatigue, Tiredness, Lassitude, Exhaustion

10 variations documented
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache,

Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation,

Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Loss of appetite, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry stools, Dry lips, Nausea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness, Lassitude

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

Lung Yin Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

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

Heart Yin Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Exhaustion

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

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

Fatigue, Lassitude

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Yin and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Stomach Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

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

Blood Deficiency

Causes: Fatigue, Tiredness, Lassitude

8 variations documented
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue, Tiredness

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

Heart Blood Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen Blood Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue, Lassitude

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen and Heart Blood Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue,

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

Fatigue

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

Heart and Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Palpitations, Insomnia, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Anxiety, Pale face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Yin and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Causes: Fatigue, Lassitude, Tiredness

7 variations documented
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

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

Damp-Phlegm
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Damp-Heat
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Oedema
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema,

Cold-Damp invading the Spleen
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Lassitude, Tiredness

Along with: Loss of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Summer Heat with Dampness
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Lassitude

Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach,

Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

Along with: Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Cold

Causes: Fatigue, Lassitude, Tiredness, Exhaustion

5 variations documented
Cold in the Uterus
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue, Lassitude, Tiredness

Along with: Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge

Cold-Damp invading the Spleen
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Lassitude, Tiredness

Along with: Loss of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Greater Yin stage
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

Along with: Loss of appetite, Vomit, Abdominal fullness, Chills, Diarrhea, Absence of thirst,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Exhaustion

Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain,

Stomach Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

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

Phlegm

Causes: Fatigue

4 variations documented
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

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

Damp-Phlegm
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Phlegm
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Oedema
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema,

Heat

Causes: Fatigue, Tiredness

4 variations documented
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation,

Damp-Heat
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Nighttime fever, Emaciation, Chronic pyelonephritis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Renal tuberculosis, Tidal fever,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Stomach Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

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

Qi Sinking

Causes: Fatigue, Tiredness, Lassitude

3 variations documented
Large Intestine collapse
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Fatigue

Along with: Chronic diarrhea, Anus prolapse, Hemorrhoids, Generalized fatigue, Cold extremities, Loss of appetite,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen Qi Sinking
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness, Lassitude

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Essence Deficiency

Causes: Fatigue

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

Fatigue

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

Blood Stasis

Causes: Tiredness, Lassitude

1 variation documented
Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness, Lassitude

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

Qi Rebellion

Causes: Tiredness

1 variation documented
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Tiredness

Along with: Irritability, Abdominal distention, Abdominal pain, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Dry stools, Excessive gas and flatulence,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Excess

Causes: Feeling work-up

1 variation documented
Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Feeling work-up

Along with: Headaches, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Deafness, Blurry vision, Dry mouth,

Summer Heat

Causes: Lassitude

1 variation documented
Summer Heat with Dampness
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Lassitude

Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach,

Wind

Causes: Exhaustion

1 variation documented
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
How it presents with generalized fatigue

Exhaustion

Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain,

Herbal Formulas for Generalized Fatigue

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address generalized fatigue

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

Addresses these generalized fatigue patterns:

Qi Deficiency Blood Deficiency Dampness Phlegm Qi Sinking Yang Deficiency

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang

Addresses these generalized fatigue patterns:

Dampness Phlegm Qi Deficiency Yin Deficiency Cold Heat

Er Chen Tang

Addresses these generalized fatigue patterns:

Dampness Phlegm Qi Deficiency Yin Deficiency Cold Heat

He Che Da Zao Wan

Addresses these generalized fatigue patterns:

Blood Deficiency Essence Deficiency Yin Deficiency Qi Deficiency

Si Wu Tang

Addresses these generalized fatigue patterns:

Yin Deficiency Cold Qi Deficiency Blood Deficiency

Mai Men Dong Tang

Addresses these generalized fatigue patterns:

Qi Deficiency Yin Deficiency Cold Heat

Gui Pi Tang

Addresses these generalized fatigue patterns:

Qi Deficiency Blood Deficiency Blood Stasis

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Addresses these generalized fatigue patterns:

Blood Deficiency Essence Deficiency Yin Deficiency

Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan

Addresses these generalized fatigue patterns:

Dampness Phlegm Yang Deficiency