Symptom family: Mental Health Disorders

Root Causes of Mania in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Mania according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Stasis
  • Mind Disturbance
  • Heat
  • Heart
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Mania

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Stagnation Mania, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest Xiao Tiao Jing Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Mind Disturbance

In TCM "Shen" refers to the mind or spirit, and a Shen disturbance is a pattern of disharmony that affects the mental and emotional state. This concept reflects the TCM belief in the deep interconnectedness of mind and body. Symptoms of Shen disturbance can vary widely but often include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, confusion, or in severe cases, hallucinations or delirium. These symptoms indicate an imbalance in the body's energies affecting the heart, which in TCM is not only the center of blood circulation but also the seat of the mind and consciousness. The root of Shen disturbance can be traced to various factors, including emotional stress, physical illness, or an imbalance in fundamental substances like Qi, Yin, or Yang.... see more

Mind Disturbance Patterns That Can Lead to Mania

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat victorious agitating Blood Manic behavior, Restlessness, High fever, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Hematochezia, Hematuria... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Mania

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat victorious agitating Blood Manic behavior, Restlessness, High fever, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Hematochezia, Hematuria... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Heart

In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Mania

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Stagnation Mania, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest Xiao Tiao Jing Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Mania

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address mania, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Stasis
  • Mind Disturbance
  • Heat
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that regulate blood
  • Formulas that sedate and calm the mind
  • Formulas that purge heat accumulation
  • Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat

Acupoints for Mania

Explore below some acupoints used to address mania, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Governing Vessel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Pericardium Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Kidney Channel
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Small Intestine Channel
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Heart Channel
  • Liver Channel
  • Lung Channel
Shenzhu DU-12

Shenzhu DU-12

On the back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 3th thoracic vertebra (T3).

Fengfu DU-16

Fengfu DU-16

Directly below the external occipital protuberance, in the depression between the origins of the trapezius muscle.

Naohu DU-17

Naohu DU-17

1.5 cun above Fengfu DU-16 or 2.5 cun above the posterior hairline, in a depression superior to the external occipital protuberance.

Houding DU-19

Houding DU-19

On the head midline, 1.5 cun above Qiangjian DU-18 or 1.5 cun posterior to Baihui DU-20.

Shenting DU-24

Shenting DU-24

On the head midline, 0.5 cun above the anterior hairline.

Taiyi ST-23

Taiyi ST-23

2 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Tianshu ST-25

Tianshu ST-25

2 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus.

Zusanli ST-36

Zusanli ST-36

3 cun below Dubi ST-35, one finger breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, on the tibialis anterior muscle.

Jiexi ST-41

Jiexi ST-41

At the junction of the dorsum of the foot and leg, between the tendons of extensor digitorum and the extensor hallucis longus muscle. Approximately at the level of the tip of the external malleolus.

Tianchong GB-9

Tianchong GB-9

Posterior and superior to the auricle, about 0.5 cun posterior to Shuaigu GB-8.

Wangu GB-12

Wangu GB-12

In the depression posterior and inferior to the mastoid process.

Benshen GB-13

Benshen GB-13

0.5 cun within the hairline of the forehead, at the junction of the medial two-third and lateral third of the distance from Shenting DU-24 to Touwei ST-8.

Zhengying GB-17

Zhengying GB-17

1 cun posterior to Muchuang GB-16 or 2.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline.

Jianshi P-5

Jianshi P-5

3 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscle.

Neiguan P-6

Neiguan P-6

2 cun above Daling P-7 on the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscle.

Daling P-7

Daling P-7

In the depression in the middle of the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscle.

Laogong P-8

Laogong P-8

In the center of the palm, between the 2nd and the 3rd metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint.

Yuzhen BL-9

Yuzhen BL-9

First identify Naohu DU-17 which is on the superior border of the external occipital protuberance. Yuzhen BL-9 is 1.3 cun lateral to Naohu DU-17.

Tianzhu BL-10

Tianzhu BL-10

1.3 cun lateral to Yamen DU-15 on the posterior midline, 0.5 cun above the posterior hairline, on the lateral side of trapezius muscle.

Feishu BL-13

Feishu BL-13

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

Shenmai BL-62

Shenmai BL-62

In the depression directly below the lateral malleolus tip.

Yongquan KID-1

Yongquan KID-1

In the depression between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones on the sole when the foot is in plantar flexion, approximately at the junction of the anterior and middle third of the sole.

Dazhong KID-4

Dazhong KID-4

Posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus, in the depression medial to the Achilles tendon, superior to its insertion at the calcaneus.

Zhubin KID-9

Zhubin KID-9

On the line drawn from Taixi KID-3 to Yingu KID-10. It is located at the lower end of the belly of gastrocnemius muscle in the medial aspect, about 5 cun above Taixi KID-3.

Yangxi LI-5

Yangxi LI-5

On the radial side of the wrist. When the thumb is tilted upward, it is in the depression on the wrist joint space (wrist crease) between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and brevis muscles.

Wenliu LI-7

Wenliu LI-7

When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 5 cun above Yangxi LI-5 at the wrist crease, 1 cun distal to the midpoint of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.

Xialian LI-8

Xialian LI-8

When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 4 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.

Yanggu SI-5

Yanggu SI-5

On the ulnar side of the wrist, in the depression between the styloid process of the ulna and the triquetral bone.

Tianchuang SI-16

Tianchuang SI-16

In the lateral aspect of the neck, on the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, lever with the Adam's apple.

Tianjing TB-10

Tianjing TB-10

When the elbow is flexed, Tianjing TB-10 is in the depression about 1 cun superior to the olecranon.

Xiaoluo TB-12

Xiaoluo TB-12

On the line joining the olecranon and Jianliao TB-14, midway between Qinglengyuan TB-11 and Naohui TB-13, 5 cun proximal to the olecranon. It is just on the lower end of bulge of the lateral head of triceps brachii when the forearm is in pronation.

Shaohai HE-3

Shaohai HE-3

When the elbow is flexed slightly, Shaohai HE-3 is at the medial end of the transverse cubital crease, in the depression radius to the medial epicondyle of the humerus.

Xingjian LIV-2

Xingjian LIV-2

Between the first and second toe, on the dorsum of the foot, 0.5 cun proximal to the interdigital fold.

Yuji LU-10

Yuji LU-10

On the radial aspect of the midpoint of the first metacarpal bone, on the junction of the red and white skin (the junction of the dorsum and palm of the hand).