Mania in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different mania patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Mania is a severe psychological state characterized by abnormally elevated mood, energy, and arousal. It is most commonly associated with bipolar disorder, where it alternates with periods of depression. During a manic episode, individuals may experience euphoria, increased self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and engage in risky or impulsive behaviors. They often display heightened productivity or creativity, but this can quickly become disorganized and unfocused.
Manic episodes can last from several days to several months and may require hospitalization to ensure the person's safety. The intensity of symptoms can vary, with some experiencing hypomania, a milder form of mania. Left untreated, mania can lead to severe personal and professional consequences, including damaged relationships, financial troubles, and in some cases, psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches mania from a holistic perspective, viewing it as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's energy systems. Unlike Western medicine's focus on brain chemistry and neurotransmitters, TCM considers mania a result of disrupted Qi flow and disharmony among various organs, particularly the Heart, Liver, and Gallbladder. In TCM, mania can stem from multiple patterns of disharmony, each requiring a unique treatment approach. This individualized perspective emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific underlying pattern before initiating treatment, as addressing the root cause is crucial for restoring balance and alleviating symptoms.
TCM Patterns for Mania
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause mania
Heart Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Knotted (Jie)
Purple entirely or just on the side
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Heat victorious agitating Blood
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Dark-Red tongue without coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Dark-Red tongue without coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Mania
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address mania