Melancholia in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different melancholia patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Melancholia, a term with ancient roots, describes a profound state of persistent sadness, often accompanied by a lack of interest in activities that once brought joy. This condition, characterized by deeper and more severe feelings than typical sadness or depression, can significantly impact an individual's daily life and overall well-being.
Historically, melancholia was considered to encompass a wide range of psychological disturbances, including what modern psychiatry might classify under depressive disorders.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), melancholia is seen as a manifestation of disharmony in the body's Qi, or vital energy. The concept of a 'pattern' is crucial as it encapsulates the unique constellation of symptoms and imbalances within a person. Identifying this pattern is critical for TCM practitioners because it determines the personalized treatment approach, ensuring that the root cause of melancholia is addressed for effective and holistic healing.
TCM Patterns for Melancholia
Qi Stagnation
Causes: Melancholy
Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation
Melancholy
Along with: Confusion, Melancholia, Crying, Abnormal behavior, Insomnia, Yawning
Liver Qi Stagnation
Melancholy
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger, Melasma
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Melancholy
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Melancholy
Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation
Melancholy
Along with: Confusion, Melancholia, Crying, Abnormal behavior, Insomnia, Yawning
Heat
Causes: Melancholy
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Melancholy
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation
Herbal Formulas for Melancholia
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address melancholia
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Addresses these melancholia patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Heart
- Calms the Mind
- Harmonizes the middle burner
- Relaxes tension
Addresses These Melancholia Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Melancholy
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Melancholia, Crying, Abnormal behavior, Insomnia, Yawning
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Addresses these melancholia patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi
Addresses These Melancholia Pattern Variations
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it manifests:
Melancholy
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these melancholia patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Melancholia Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Melancholy
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these melancholia patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation
- Tonifies Spleen
- Clears Deficient Heat
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These Melancholia Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Melancholy
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these melancholia patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Addresses These Melancholia Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Melancholy
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these melancholia patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Melancholia Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Melancholy
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these melancholia patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These Melancholia Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Melancholy
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...