Neurasthenia in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different neurasthenia patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Neurasthenia, a term that may not be as commonly used in modern Western medicine, refers to a condition characterized by chronic fatigue, weakness, and sometimes psychological distress. Symptoms often include a feeling of physical or mental tiredness, poor concentration, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
This condition is generally understood as a reaction to stress, chronic illness, or psychological factors. While the term 'neurasthenia' might be less prevalent today, the symptoms it describes are still widely recognized and treated in various medical practices, including Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), neurasthenia is viewed through the lens of imbalance and disharmony within the body's systems. TCM recognizes that this condition can arise from a variety of imbalances, including deficiencies in Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, or Yang.
The approach in TCM is holistic, focusing not just on alleviating symptoms but on restoring balance and harmony to the entire body. This perspective underscores the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and mental health in TCM.
TCM Patterns for Neurasthenia
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause neurasthenia
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
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Normal-coloured without coating or with rootless coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney and Heart Qi Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Fine (Xi), Weak (Ruo)
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi)
Pale tongue
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Neurasthenia
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address neurasthenia