Schizophrenia in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different schizophrenia patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Schizophrenia is a complex and chronic mental health disorder characterized by a range of symptoms that can include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and altered perceptions of reality. Often misunderstood as a 'split personality' disorder, schizophrenia actually entails a fragmentation of thought processes and emotional responsiveness.
It can significantly impact a person's ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. The onset typically occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, making it a pivotal concern in psychiatric health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a distinct perspective on schizophrenia, diverging from the biomedical understanding of the condition. TCM views schizophrenia as a manifestation of internal disharmony and imbalances within the body's vital energy or Qi.
This approach emphasizes that symptoms like those seen in schizophrenia are the result of various patterns of disharmony, each requiring a unique diagnostic and treatment strategy. TCM stresses the importance of identifying the specific pattern of imbalance to effectively address the root cause of the disorder.
TCM Patterns for Schizophrenia
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause schizophrenia
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Full (Shi)
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Recommended herbal formulas
Heat in Yang brightness Organs
Diagnostic signs
Full (Shi)
Recommended herbal formulas
Yang Excess
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Schizophrenia
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address schizophrenia