Hysteria in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different hysteria patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Hysteria, in the realms of both contemporary psychology and historical medicine, denotes a condition marked by emotional excess. Though its definition has evolved over time, it generally encapsulates what modern diagnostics refer to as conversion disorder—a manifestation of psychological stress in physical symptoms without a discernible organic cause.
These symptoms can be varied, often dramatic, and include psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, paralysis, or other sensory disturbances. Traditional nomenclature such as 'hysterical disorder' and 'conversion hysteria' reflects the enigmatic nature of the condition, which remains a complex challenge in mental health.
In the landscape of Traditional Chinese Medicine, hysteria is perceived through a lens of holistic balance, or the lack thereof, within the body's internal ecosystem. The ancient practice interprets such psychological disturbances as a disharmony in the vital life force—Qi—and the Blood, often precipitated by emotional turmoil or physiological imbalances.
The goal is to discern the 'pattern'—a unique TCM concept of symptom clusters that reflect an underlying imbalance. Recognizing these patterns, such as Qi stagnation or a deficiency of heart blood, is essential in TCM, as they guide the practitioner to the most harmonious treatment path.
TCM Patterns for Hysteria
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Hysteria
Heart Blood Deficiency
Hysteria
Along with: Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Neurasthenia
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Hysteria
Heart Yin Deficiency
Hysteria
Along with: Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Neurasthenia
Herbal Formulas for Hysteria
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hysteria
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Addresses these hysteria patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Heart
- Calms the Mind
- Harmonizes the middle burner
- Relaxes tension
Addresses These Hysteria Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hysteria
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Neurasthenia
Heart Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hysteria
Accompanying symptoms:
Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Neurasthenia
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these hysteria patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Hysteria Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hysteria
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Neurasthenia
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Addresses these hysteria patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Nourishes the Blood
- Clears Heat
- Calms the Mind
Addresses These Hysteria Pattern Variations
Heart Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hysteria
Accompanying symptoms:
Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Neurasthenia
Gui Pi Tang
Addresses these hysteria patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood
- Tonifies Heart and Spleen
Addresses These Hysteria Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hysteria
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Neurasthenia
Shen Qi Si Wu Tang
Addresses these hysteria patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
- Tonifies Qi
Addresses These Hysteria Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hysteria
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Neurasthenia
Suan Zao Ren Tang
Addresses these hysteria patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Blood
- Calms the Mind and eliminates irritability
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Hysteria Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hysteria
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Neurasthenia
Zhen Xin An Shen Tang
Addresses these hysteria patterns:
Main Actions
- Anchors the Heart and calms the Mind
Addresses These Hysteria Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hysteria
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Neurasthenia
Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan
Addresses these hysteria patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Heart Qi
- Calms the Mind and clear anxiety
- Nourish the Heart Blood
Addresses These Hysteria Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hysteria
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Neurasthenia
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
Addresses these hysteria patterns:
Main Actions
- Reinforces and strengthens Heart Qi
- Calms the Mind
- Nourishes and moistens the Heart Blood
- Tonifies the Kidney Yin
Addresses These Hysteria Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hysteria
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Neurasthenia