Bipolar Disorder
躁郁症 · zào yù zhèng+11 other namesHide other names
Also known as: Bi Polar Disorder, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Bipolar Depression, Bipolar Mood Disorder, Mania Depression, Manic Depression, Manic-depressive Disorder, Manic-depressive Illness, Bipolar disorder (manic phase), Bipolar disorder (depressive episodes), Bipolar disorder (depressive phase)
Not every mood swing comes from the same root. The irritable, pressured high with a bitter taste points to Liver Fire; the hollow, exhausted low with insomnia points to Heart and Spleen Deficiency - each pattern responds to a different treatment, and most patients see meaningful stabilization within 6-12 weeks of consistent herbs and acupuncture.
About this page · what it is and isn't
What this is. A plain-English synthesis of how classical TCM and modern clinical research describe bipolar disorder. Patterns and herbs come from canonical TCM sources; clinical claims are cited in the Evidence section.
What it isn't. A diagnosis. Me&Qi is an editorial team, not a licensed clinic. The pattern quiz is a thinking tool — pulse and tongue still need a person in the room. Anything in the Safety section should send you to a doctor, not a herb.
Last reviewed Jun 2026.
Educational content about Traditional Chinese Medicine — not medical advice. See a qualified practitioner for diagnosis and treatment.
Bipolar disorder isn't a single condition in TCM - it's a family of five distinct patterns, each with its own cause, its own characteristic shifts in mood, and its own treatment. Three are excess patterns (Liver Qi Stagnation transforming into Heat, Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat) where something is rising or accumulating where it shouldn't, driving the manic highs. Two are deficiency patterns (Heart and Spleen Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency) where the mind and body simply aren't getting enough nourishment, leading to the depressive lows.
This means the irritable, pressured high with a bitter taste and the hollow, exhausted low with insomnia are not just different phases of one disease - they are different imbalances altogether. TCM treats each pattern with its own herbal formula, its own acupuncture points, and its own lifestyle guidance, aiming to stabilize the whole person, not just suppress symptoms.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts cycle between manic or hypomanic episodes - periods of elevated mood, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior - and depressive episodes marked by deep sadness, fatigue, loss of interest, and difficulty concentrating. Some people also experience mixed states where symptoms of mania and depression occur together.
Diagnosis is based on clinical history and symptom patterns, often categorized as Bipolar I (full manic episodes), Bipolar II (hypomanic and depressive episodes), or cyclothymic disorder. The condition affects roughly 2-3% of the population and typically first appears in late adolescence or early adulthood. While its exact cause is unknown, it involves a combination of genetic, neurochemical, and environmental factors.
Conventional treatments
Conventional treatment typically involves mood stabilizers such as lithium, valproate, or lamotrigine, often combined with atypical antipsychotics during acute manic or mixed episodes. Antidepressants may be used cautiously for depressive episodes, though they carry a risk of triggering mania. Psychotherapy - particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy - is a cornerstone of long-term management, helping patients recognize early warning signs and maintain stable daily routines.
Where conventional treatment falls short
Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics can be life-changing but often come with significant side effects - weight gain, metabolic changes, tremor, cognitive dulling, and long-term risks to kidney or thyroid function. Many people cycle through multiple medication trials before finding a tolerable regimen, and breakthrough episodes remain common even with good adherence. Crucially, the conventional model treats bipolar disorder as a single disease entity and doesn't account for the possibility that one person's mania (driven by Liver Fire) and another's depression (driven by Heart and Spleen Deficiency) might each require fundamentally different treatment strategies - which is precisely what TCM proposes.
How TCM understands bipolar disorder
TCM understands bipolar disorder primarily through the lens of the Liver, Heart, and Spleen - the three organ systems most intimately connected to emotional regulation. The Liver governs the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body and is especially sensitive to emotional stress. When frustration, anger, or prolonged tension cause Liver Qi to stagnate, it can transform into Fire that flares upward, producing the irritability, pressured speech, and decreased need for sleep characteristic of mania.
But the Liver is only part of the story. The Heart houses the Shen (spirit or mind), and when Phlegm and Fire combine and rise to cloud the Heart's orifices - often from a diet rich in greasy, sweet, or spicy foods - the result is the agitation, grandiosity, and disorganized thinking of a manic episode. This is the classic Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium pattern.
On the depressive side, the picture shifts to deficiency. The Spleen is the source of Qi and Blood; overthinking and worry weaken it, leaving too little Blood to anchor the Shen in the Heart. This produces the fatigue, mental fog, insomnia, and low mood of Heart and Spleen Deficiency. Over time, chronic stress can also drain the deep Yin reserves of the Kidney and Liver, leading to the empty, hollow depression with night sweats and lower back soreness - a pattern often seen in long-standing illness.
This is why TCM doesn't treat bipolar disorder with one formula. The same person may cycle between a manic pattern (excess, Fire, Phlegm) and a depressive pattern (deficiency, Blood, Yin), and treatment must shift accordingly. The goal is to break the cycle by clearing pathogenic factors during highs and nourishing the root during lows, gradually restoring the balance that allows mood to stabilize naturally.
「狂始生，先自悲也，喜忘、苦怒、善恐者，得之忧饥……狂始发，少卧不饥，自高贤也，自辩智也，自尊贵也，善骂詈，日夜不休。」
"The onset of mania begins with spontaneous sadness, forgetfulness, bitterness, anger, and frequent fear, caused by worry and hunger… When mania breaks out, there is little sleep and no hunger; the person considers themselves superior, wise, and noble; they curse and scold unceasingly day and night. This passage captures the alternating depressive and manic poles recognized in bipolar disorder, attributing them to emotional and dietary origins."
How a TCM practitioner diagnoses bipolar disorder
Inside the consultation
When emotional frustration is the trigger and the person feels chest tightness, sighing, and loss of appetite, the practitioner suspects Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency. A tongue with pale body and thin coating, plus a wiry pulse, point to the stagnation; if the tongue edges become red and the pulse quickens, heat is beginning to stir, explaining why the low mood can suddenly flip into agitation.
A person who is visibly agitated, speaking rapidly and unable to settle, with a sensation of heat in the chest, fits the picture of Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium. The tongue is red with a thick, yellow, greasy coating, and the pulse feels slippery and rapid. These signs confirm that phlegm and fire have combined and are clouding the heart, producing the classic manic restlessness.
When the dominant complaints are exhaustion, trouble sleeping, and a mind that cannot stop worrying, Heart and Spleen Deficiency is likely. The tongue is pale and may be slightly swollen, the pulse is weak and thin. This pattern reflects a lack of qi and blood to nourish the heart, leading to a depressive state that feels more like emptiness and depletion than frustration.
In long-standing cases where depressive emptiness and manic irritability alternate, the practitioner looks for signs of Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency. Dizziness, lower back soreness, and a dry mouth at night, along with a red tongue that has little coating and a thin, rapid pulse, indicate that yin is too weak to anchor yang, allowing empty-heat to flare and destabilize mood.
A manic episode accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth, a flushed face, and a heavy feeling in the head points toward Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat. The tongue has a thick, yellow, greasy coating, and the pulse is wiry, slippery, and rapid. This pattern shows dampness and heat steaming upward along the liver and gallbladder channels, fueling agitation and anger.
TCM Patterns for Bipolar Disorder
In TCM, the aim is to address the root cause, not just the symptom — it calls that root cause a “pattern.” The same bipolar disorder can come from several different patterns, each treated differently. The quickest way to find yours is the quiz below.
Find your pattern
Tap any sign that fits how yours feels.
- 1Your signs
- 2What makes it worse
- 3What helps
Which signs match your experience?
It is common to see yourself in more than one pattern, especially because bipolar disorder cycles between depressive and manic poles. You might recognize the sluggishness and worry of Heart and Spleen Deficiency during a low, and the agitation of Phlegm Fire during a high. These snapshots can coexist or follow one another, and that overlap is normal.
To get a clearer picture, notice which features dominate right now and what makes them better or worse. A depressive phase that lifts with rest and gentle movement suggests a deficiency pattern, while irritability that flares after rich food or alcohol points toward damp-heat or phlegm-fire.
Because the patterns overlap and the tongue and pulse provide crucial clues that are hard to read on your own, a professional TCM diagnosis is worthwhile. A practitioner can distinguish whether the heat is from stagnant qi, dampness, or yin deficiency, which guides treatment safely.
If your mood swings feel severe, if you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or others, or if you are unable to function, please see a doctor or mental health professional promptly. TCM can be a powerful support, but bipolar disorder is a serious condition that often requires integrated care.
Heart and Spleen Deficiency
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat
Treatment
Four ways to address bipolar disorder in TCM — explore each, or take the quiz to see what fits you first.
Formulas traditionally used for bipolar disorder
4 formulas across the patterns above. The right one depends on your pattern — start with the quiz if you're unsure which fits.
A classical formula used to clear Heat and resolve Phlegm that is disturbing the mind and digestive system. It is commonly used for insomnia, restlessness, nausea, and a bitter taste in the mouth caused by the accumulation of Phlegm-Heat in the Gallbladder and Stomach. Think of it as a formula that calms both an agitated mind and an upset stomach by addressing the underlying combination of inflammatory Heat and sticky Phlegm.
A classical formula that strengthens the Spleen and nourishes the Heart to address fatigue, poor appetite, insomnia, forgetfulness, palpitations, and anxiety caused by weakness of both the Heart and Spleen. It is also widely used for bleeding disorders such as heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, easy bruising, or blood in the stool that result from the Spleen being too weak to keep blood in its proper channels.
A classical formula that nourishes the body's cooling Yin fluids while clearing excess internal heat. It is commonly used for symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, tinnitus, sore throat, dry mouth, and low back aching that arise when the Kidneys become depleted and the body overheats from within. It builds on the famous Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) with two additional cooling herbs.
A powerful cooling formula used to address conditions caused by excess heat and dampness in the Liver and Gallbladder systems. It is commonly used for red, painful eyes, headaches, ear problems, irritability, urinary difficulties, and skin conditions like shingles, particularly when accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth, dark urine, and a feeling of heat or inflammation along the sides of the body or in the genital area.
Excess patterns like Phlegm Fire or Liver Qi Stagnation with Heat often respond within 4-8 weeks of treatment, with acute manic symptoms beginning to settle after the first few sessions. Deficiency patterns like Heart and Spleen Deficiency or Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency require longer - typically 3-6 months - to rebuild the body's reserves and establish stable mood. Because bipolar disorder involves cycling between phases, treatment is ongoing and adjusts as the pattern shifts; many patients continue maintenance care to prevent relapse.
Treatment principles
Across all patterns, TCM treatment of bipolar disorder works on two timescales simultaneously. During acute manic or mixed episodes, the priority is to sedate and clear - subduing Liver Fire, resolving Phlegm, and calming the spirit to bring the person back to a stable baseline. During depressive phases, the focus shifts to tonifying and nourishing - strengthening the Spleen to produce more Qi and Blood, or replenishing Kidney and Liver Yin to anchor the mind.
This two-phase approach is one of TCM's key advantages. Rather than one medication taken identically regardless of mood state, TCM adjusts the formula and acupuncture points to match the current pattern. The goal is not just to suppress symptoms but to gradually rebalance the underlying constitution so that the wild swings between fire and deficiency become less extreme and less frequent over time.
What to expect from treatment
Most patients begin to notice a reduction in mood swings and improved sleep within 4-6 weeks of consistent treatment. Acupuncture is typically scheduled once or twice weekly during acute phases, tapering to every other week or monthly for maintenance. Herbs are taken daily, usually as a decoction, granules, or capsules, and the formula is adjusted every 2-4 weeks as your pattern shifts.
Progress is often gradual. You may first notice that your sleep deepens, that the edge comes off your irritability, or that the morning dread lifts a little. Manic symptoms tend to respond faster than depressive ones because clearing excess is quicker than building deficiency. Over months, the cycles between highs and lows typically become less intense and further apart. Patience and consistency are essential - this is a process of retraining the body's regulatory systems, not a quick fix.
General dietary guidance
Diet is a powerful tool for managing bipolar disorder in TCM because certain foods directly contribute to the Phlegm, Heat, and Dampness that drive mood instability. Across all patterns, avoid greasy, fried, and heavily processed foods, which create Dampness and Phlegm. Limit alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods, which stir up Liver Fire and can trigger manic episodes. Refined sugar and excessive dairy also tend to generate Phlegm and should be minimized.
Favor fresh, whole foods prepared simply. During manic or irritable phases, emphasize cooling, calming foods: cucumber, celery, bitter greens, mung beans, pear, and chrysanthemum or peppermint tea. During depressive or low-energy phases, shift to warm, nourishing foods that support the Spleen: congee, soups, stewed root vegetables, and small amounts of high-quality protein. Eating at regular times and avoiding late-night meals also helps stabilize the body's rhythms, which is crucial for mood regulation.
Combining TCM with conventional treatment
TCM can generally be used alongside conventional treatments for bipolar disorder, and many people begin acupuncture and herbs while continuing their existing medications. Never stop or reduce your mood stabilizers or antipsychotics abruptly - this can trigger severe relapse and is dangerous. If your mood stabilizes with TCM treatment, work with your prescribing doctor to taper medications gradually and safely.
Specific cautions: herbs that move Blood, such as Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) and Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum), may interact with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Herbs with sedative properties, such as Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus seed), should be used carefully alongside medications that cause drowsiness. Some herbs may affect liver enzyme pathways that metabolize psychiatric drugs. Always bring a full list of your medications to your TCM consultation, and keep both your psychiatrist and your TCM practitioner informed of any changes.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Safety & special considerations
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Thoughts of harming yourself or others — If you are having suicidal thoughts or feel you may act on violent impulses, seek emergency help immediately.
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Severe manic episode with psychosis — If you are experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or a complete break from reality, you need urgent psychiatric care.
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Inability to care for basic needs — If you are unable to eat, sleep, or maintain safety due to extreme mood state, go to the emergency room.
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Severe medication side effects — Symptoms like high fever, muscle rigidity, confusion, or severe rash may indicate a serious reaction to psychiatric medication and require immediate medical attention.
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Rapid, uncontrollable mood cycling — If you are swinging between mania and depression multiple times a day and feel completely out of control, seek urgent care.
Audience-specific guidance — open what applies to you
Treating bipolar disorder during pregnancy requires extreme caution, as many herbs that move Qi, clear Heat, and transform Phlegm are contraindicated. Chai Hu, a key herb in Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San for Liver Qi Stagnation with Heat, is generally avoided because its upward and dispersing nature can potentially disturb the fetus. Huang Lian and other bitter-cold herbs used in formulas like Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang may also be too harsh. Acupuncture becomes the preferred intervention-points like Neiguan PC-6 and Zusanli ST-36 can safely calm the mind without the risk to the pregnancy.
The physiological changes of pregnancy often amplify Yin and Blood demands, so a pattern of Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency or Heart and Spleen Deficiency may become more prominent. Gentle, nourishing formulas like a modified Gui Pi Tang without strong-moving herbs might be considered, but only under the strict guidance of a practitioner experienced in pregnancy and TCM. Always prioritize conventional perinatal mental health care alongside any TCM support.
During breastfeeding, the primary concern is that active herbal compounds pass into breast milk. Bitter-cold herbs such as Huang Lian and Zhi Zi, used in many Heat-clearing formulas, can cause infant diarrhoea or digestive upset and are best avoided. For a nursing mother with Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, a practitioner might rely more heavily on acupuncture points like Fenglong ST-40 and Shenmen HT-7 instead of the full herbal formula.
If herbs are necessary, milder, food-grade options like Suan Zao Ren for sleep or Bai Shao for irritability may be safer. The postpartum period also predisposes women to Blood and Yin deficiency, so patterns of Heart and Spleen Deficiency or Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency often dominate. Gui Pi Tang, which contains largely gentle, nourishing ingredients, is generally considered safer for breastfeeding than the more aggressive Heat-clearing or Phlegm-transforming formulas.
Bipolar disorder is rarely diagnosed in young children, but when early mood dysregulation appears, TCM approaches it through the lens of immature organ systems. The Spleen is often constitutionally weak, easily generating Phlegm, while the Liver tends to be in relative excess, making Phlegm Fire harassing the Heart a common pattern behind explosive, agitated behavior. Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang would be adjusted to a pediatric dosage-typically one-third to one-half of the adult amount-and combined with gentle dietary therapy to reduce Phlegm.
Diagnosis in children relies heavily on observation of sleep, appetite, and the tongue coating rather than self-reported mood. A red tongue tip and thick greasy coating point to Phlegm Fire, while a pale, puffy tongue with teeth marks suggests an underlying Heart and Spleen Deficiency that leaves the child emotionally fragile. Acupuncture can be replaced by acupressure or pediatric tui na for very young patients who cannot tolerate needles.
In older adults, bipolar disorder tends to present with more depressive and mixed features, and TCM patterns shift toward deficiency. Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency becomes the most common root, producing a hollow, irritable depression with poor memory and night sweats. The manic phases are often less explosive and more characterized by agitation and insomnia rather than grandiosity. Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan, which nourishes Yin and clears deficiency Fire, is frequently used, with herb dosages reduced to about two-thirds of the standard adult dose to protect the aging digestive system.
Polypharmacy is a major concern-many elderly patients are already on multiple medications, and herbs like Chai Hu or Long Dan Cao can interact with Western drugs. Acupuncture is therefore an especially valuable tool in geriatric care, as it avoids drug interactions entirely. Points like Taixi KI-3 and Shenshu BL-23 can be used to gently nourish the Kidney Yin and anchor the mind, with treatment timelines extended to allow for the slower recovery of a depleted system.
Evidence & references
The evidence base for TCM in bipolar disorder is still emerging but shows promise, particularly for managing depressive phases and the side effects of conventional mood stabilizers. A large population-based study in Taiwan found that patients with bipolar disorder frequently use TCM, with formulas like Jia Wei Xiao Yao San and Gan Mai Da Zao Tang being common for mood and sleep complaints. Network analyses suggest that TCM approaches target the condition through multiple pathways, including inflammation and neurotransmitter regulation.
Rigorous randomized controlled trials remain scarce. Most published studies are small, of short duration, and conducted in Chinese populations, which limits generalizability. Acupuncture has shown some benefit for bipolar depression in pilot trials, but the evidence is not yet strong enough for firm clinical recommendations. The consensus is that TCM can be a useful adjunct to standard care, particularly for residual symptoms and quality of life, but it should not replace conventional pharmacotherapy for the acute manic phase.
Key clinical studies
This population-based cohort study analyzed Taiwan's National Health Insurance database to examine TCM utilization among 13,248 patients with bipolar disorder. It found that 40.8% of patients used TCM, most commonly for sleep disturbances and pain. The top prescribed formulas were Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, and Suan Zao Ren Tang, indicating a focus on soothing the Liver, nourishing the Heart, and calming the mind.
Usage Patterns of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Population-Based Study in Taiwan
Chen YC, et al. Usage Patterns of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Population-Based Study in Taiwan. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2024.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10888309This study applied network analysis to a large TCM clinical database to identify core herb combinations and syndrome patterns in bipolar disorder. It highlighted the central role of Liver Qi Stagnation transforming into Heat and Phlegm Fire patterns, with key herbs like Chai Hu, Huang Qin, and Ban Xia emerging as network hubs. The findings support the TCM theoretical framework and provide a data-driven basis for future clinical trials.
Exploring the patterns in traditional Chinese medicine for bipolar disorder: a data-driven network approach
Li S, et al. Exploring the patterns in traditional Chinese medicine for bipolar disorder: a data-driven network approach. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2025.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1524345/fullClassical text references
One quote is featured above in the Understanding section — the rest are listed here for the classically inclined.
「百合病者，百脉一宗，悉致其病也。意欲食复不能食，常默默，欲卧不能卧，欲行不能行……如有神灵者，身形如和，其脉微数。」
"Lily disease involves all vessels from a single source, causing the illness. The patient wants to eat but cannot, is often silent, wants to lie down but cannot, wants to walk but cannot… as if possessed by spirits; the body appears normal, but the pulse is fine and rapid. This ancient description of a waxing and waning mental state with somatic complaints, a normal physical exam, and a fine-rapid pulse closely mirrors the depressive phase of bipolar disorder and links it to a disturbance affecting the Heart and all the vessels."
Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet)
Chapter 11, Lily Disease (Bai He Bing)
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about using Traditional Chinese Medicine for bipolar disorder.
Yes. TCM treats manic and depressive phases as different patterns, each with its own herbal formula and acupuncture strategy. During a manic episode, the focus is on clearing Fire, resolving Phlegm, and calming the spirit. During a depressive episode, the focus shifts to tonifying Qi and Blood, soothing the Liver, and nourishing the Heart and Kidneys. The same practitioner will adjust your treatment as your mood cycles, aiming to reduce the severity and frequency of both poles over time.
In most cases, yes - but it must be managed carefully. Never stop or adjust your conventional medications on your own, and always inform both your psychiatrist and your TCM practitioner about everything you are taking. Some herbs have sedative properties that may enhance drowsiness from benzodiazepines or antipsychotics. Others, like Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) or Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum), can affect blood clotting and should be used with caution alongside certain medications. A qualified TCM practitioner will know which herbs to avoid and will communicate with your medical team.
Many people notice improved sleep and a calmer mind within the first 2-4 weeks of weekly acupuncture and daily herbs. For acute manic symptoms, the cooling and calming effects can be felt quite quickly - often after the first few sessions. Stabilizing the mood cycle and preventing relapse takes longer, typically 3-6 months of consistent treatment. Deficiency patterns that have developed over years require patience; rebuilding Blood and Yin is a gradual process, but the results tend to be deep and lasting.
Not necessarily. In the beginning, herbs are taken daily to correct the underlying imbalance. As your mood stabilizes, your practitioner will typically reduce the frequency or switch to a gentler maintenance formula. Some people eventually transition to acupuncture alone or take herbs only during seasonal transitions or stressful periods. The goal is to strengthen your constitution so that you are less vulnerable to mood episodes, not to create a lifelong dependence.
For mild to moderate cases, some people do manage their condition with TCM alone under careful supervision. However, bipolar disorder is a serious condition, and for many people, conventional mood stabilizers are essential for safety and stability. TCM can often reduce the dosage of medications needed over time, but this must be done in close collaboration with your prescribing doctor. Abruptly stopping medication can trigger severe manic or depressive episodes and is never recommended.
Diet plays an important role in TCM because certain foods can generate the Phlegm, Heat, or Dampness that drive mood episodes. In general, avoid greasy, fried, and overly sweet foods, as well as alcohol and excessive caffeine, which stir up Liver Fire. During manic phases, favor cooling foods like cucumber, celery, mung beans, and chrysanthemum tea. During depressive phases, warm, easily digested foods like congee, soups, and cooked vegetables support the Spleen and help build Qi and Blood. Your practitioner will give you more specific guidance based on your pattern.
Most people find acupuncture deeply relaxing rather than painful. The needles are extremely thin - much finer than those used for injections - and are inserted quickly. You may feel a brief pinch or a dull ache, especially on points like Taichong (LR-3) on the foot, but this sensation usually fades within seconds. Many patients with bipolar disorder report that acupuncture sessions are one of the few times their mind truly quiets down.
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