Postpartum Depression in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different postpartum depression patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complex, emotional, and mental health condition that affects new mothers following childbirth. It encompasses a range of symptoms from mild baby blues to severe depression, characterized by feelings of extreme sadness, exhaustion, anxiety, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
This condition not only affects the wellbeing of the mother but can also impact her ability to bond with and care for her newborn. Unlike the more transient "baby blues," postpartum depression is more intense and can persist if not addressed properly.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches postpartum depression as an imbalance of the body's vital energies and organ systems. Contrasting with Western medicine's focus on psychological and hormonal factors, TCM views PPD as a manifestation of disharmony in Qi (energy), Blood, and Yin.
TCM practitioners believe that childbirth can disrupt the body's balance, leading to deficiencies and stagnations that manifest as postpartum depression. Treatment is focused on restoring balance and nourishing the body at a deeper level.
TCM Patterns for Postpartum Depression
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause postpartum depression
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
Heart Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Knotted (Jie)
Purple entirely or just on the side
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Postpartum Depression
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address postpartum depression