Hallucinations in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hallucinations are sensory experiences that occur in the absence of external stimuli. They involve perceiving something that isn't actually present in the environment, yet these perceptions feel very real to the individual experiencing them. Hallucinations can affect any of the five senses, including sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Visual hallucinations, such as seeing objects or people that aren't there, are among the most common types.

These false perceptions can range from simple patterns or colors to complex scenes or beings. Hallucinations are distinct from illusions, which involve misinterpreting real sensory stimuli. They can occur in various mental health conditions, neurological disorders, or as a result of substance use. While often associated with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, hallucinations can also manifest in conditions such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, or certain types of epilepsy.