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
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause hysteria
Heart Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Pale thin and slightly dry tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Heart Yin Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu), Fine (Xi), Floating (Fu)
Red or normal tongue with no coating, redder tip with swollen red pointes on tip, deep midline crack
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Full (Shi)
Recommended herbal formulas
Qi-Phlegm
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Hysteria
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hysteria