Irritability in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different irritability patterns according to TCM theory

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15
TCM Patterns
91
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 15 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each irritability pattern
Classical remedies 91 herbal formulas documented
Related conditions

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), irritability is viewed as a symptom arising from internal imbalances, particularly within the body's Qi, or vital energy. Unlike Western medicine, which may attribute irritability to psychological or hormonal factors, TCM considers it a sign of disharmony in specific organ systems, such as the Liver or Heart. Identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony is crucial, as different patterns require different treatment approaches to restore balance and alleviate irritability.

TCM Patterns for Irritability

Heat

Causes: Irritability, Short temper

21 variations documented
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Afternoon fever, Excessive sweating, Sweating on limbs, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain, Constipation,

Bright Yang Stomach Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: High fever, Excessive sweating, Excessive thirst, Flushed face, Feeling of heat, Delirium

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat in the Blood
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia,

Lesser Yin Heat Transformation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Dry mouth and throat at night, Dark urine, Night sweats

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Fire Blazing
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face,

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Tremors, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness,

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings,

Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth,

Wind Cold with Internal Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Fever without perspiration, Body pain, Thirst, Upper respiratory tract infections, Influenza, Purulent keratitis,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Spontaneous sweat, Eye hyperemia, Dry mouth, Palpitations, Lower abdominal oppression, Painful urination,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat Excess in the Liver or Gallbladder
How it presents with irritability

Irritability, Short temper

Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Headaches, Dizziness, Red and irritated eyes, Hearing loss, Ear swelling,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Excess-Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Fever, Flushed face, Red skin eruptions, Mottled skin, Thirst, Arthritis,

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

Irritability

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat invading the Pericardium
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Fever, Restlessness, Feeling of uneasiness, Incoherent or confused speech, Loss of consciousness, Viral encephalitis,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Lower abdominal pain, Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Restlessness, Thirst, Amenorrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Vulvar itching, Yellow vaginal discharge, Painful intercourse, Restlessness, Insomnia, Dark urine,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Thirst, Stomatitis,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Stagnation

Causes: Irritability, Pre-menstrual irritability

11 variations documented
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia,

Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability, Pre-menstrual irritability

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Qi Stagnation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Mood swings, Sighing

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings,

Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Pericardium Qi Stagnation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Mild chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sighing, Throat lumps, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi-Phlegm
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Upper abdominal oppression, Mood swings, Depression

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Stomach Qi Stagnation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Hiccups

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Spontaneous sweat, Eye hyperemia, Dry mouth, Palpitations, Lower abdominal oppression, Painful urination,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Dry mouth, Loss of appetite,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yin Deficiency

Causes: Irritability

7 variations documented
Lesser Yin Heat Transformation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Dry mouth and throat at night, Dark urine, Night sweats

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Insomnia, Occasional palpitations, Anxiety, Dizziness

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

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

Yin Deficiency
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy,

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

Irritability

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

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

Irritability

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Yin and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Wind

Causes: Irritability

5 variations documented
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Afternoon fever, Excessive sweating, Sweating on limbs, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain, Constipation,

Bright Yang Stomach Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: High fever, Excessive sweating, Excessive thirst, Flushed face, Feeling of heat, Delirium

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Interior Wind
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Convulsions, Hand tremor, Dizziness, Paralysis, Coma, Tic disorder,

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Tremors, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness,

Wind Cold with Internal Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Cold

Causes: Irritability

4 variations documented
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Afternoon fever, Excessive sweating, Sweating on limbs, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain, Constipation,

Bright Yang Stomach Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: High fever, Excessive sweating, Excessive thirst, Flushed face, Feeling of heat, Delirium

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Fever without perspiration, Body pain, Thirst, Upper respiratory tract infections, Influenza, Purulent keratitis,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Stasis

Causes: Irritability, Pre-menstrual irritability

3 variations documented
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability, Pre-menstrual irritability

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Lower abdominal pain, Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Restlessness, Thirst, Amenorrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Phlegm

Causes: Irritability

3 variations documented
Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Feeling of heaviness, Muscle pain, Lack of sweating, Absence of thirst, Profuse white sputum, Swollen limbs,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

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

Qi-Phlegm
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Upper abdominal oppression, Mood swings, Depression

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Excess

Causes: Irritability

3 variations documented
Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

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

Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Insomnia, Occasional palpitations, Anxiety, Dizziness

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Yang Excess or Full Yang
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Feeling of heat, Hyperactivity, Lack of sweating, Heat intolerance, Constipation

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Rebellion

Causes: Irritability

3 variations documented
Rebellious Liver Qi
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Hiccups, Sighing, Nausea or vomiting, Belching,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression, Acid reflux,

Dampness

Causes: Irritability

3 variations documented
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Vulvar itching, Yellow vaginal discharge, Painful intercourse, Restlessness, Insomnia, Dark urine,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Deficiency

Causes: Irritability

2 variations documented
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys caused by Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Restlessness, Severe heart palpitations, Cold sensation in lower limbs, Insomnia, Anxiety, Mental exhaustion,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Deficiency

Causes: Irritability

2 variations documented
Liver Qi Deficiency
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

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

Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Spontaneous sweat, Eye hyperemia, Dry mouth, Palpitations, Lower abdominal oppression, Painful urination,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Deficiency

Causes: Irritability

2 variations documented
Liver Yang Rising with Blood and Yin Deficiency
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Insomnia, Occasional palpitations, Anxiety, Dizziness

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Yin and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

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

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Summer Heat

Causes: Irritability

2 variations documented
Summer-Heat
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Upper abdominal discomfort,

Summer-Heat entering the Lesser Yin and Terminal Yin warps
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Wasting, Thirst, Cardiac burning sensation, Restlessness, Paralysis, Loss of consciousness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Mind Disturbance

Causes: Irritability

1 variation documented
Heat invading the Pericardium
How it presents with irritability

Irritability

Along with: Fever, Restlessness, Feeling of uneasiness, Incoherent or confused speech, Loss of consciousness, Viral encephalitis,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Irritability

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address irritability

Xiao Yao San

Addresses these irritability patterns:

Qi Stagnation Qi Deficiency Qi Rebellion Blood Stasis

Si Wu Tang

Addresses these irritability patterns:

Wind Qi Deficiency Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis

Jia Wei Xiao Yao San

Addresses these irritability patterns:

Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis Heat Qi Deficiency

Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang

Addresses these irritability patterns:

Heat Wind Cold

Chai Hu Shu Gan San

Addresses these irritability patterns:

Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis Qi Rebellion

Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang

Addresses these irritability patterns:

Wind Heat Yang Excess

Zhen Zhu Mu Wan

Addresses these irritability patterns:

Yang Excess Yin Deficiency Blood Deficiency

Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

Addresses these irritability patterns:

Yin Deficiency Heat Qi Stagnation

Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang

Addresses these irritability patterns:

Phlegm Qi Stagnation Qi Rebellion